IMPORTANT. The field trips shown on this page will be the last excursions organised by SOS unless we can appoint a new Fieldtrip Co-ordinator. This person puts together the trip programme, choosing locations and setting up leaders. There is no necessity for the Co-ordinator to lead any trips (although that is not excluded). Do you want SOS to continue to offer trips to interesting sites with knowledgeable leaders and friendly fellow birders? If so, please consider taking on this vacant position. Contact Sue Brealey (fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk or at the telephone numbers shown below).
Please can all those proposing to come on the excursions follow the guidelines which have been sent to members in the past and which are available on this website here.
Field Excursions 2022-23
All members are invited to these trips, which are friendly and open to beginners and experts alike. Help to identify and learn about the birds seen will be given by the group. Meet at the location given, no later than the time stated. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE HOMEPAGE (UNDER “BREAKING NEWS”) TO ENSURE THE TRIP IS GOING AHEAD. THIS SECTION WILL CARRY A NOTICE ONLY IF DETAILS OF THE FIELDTRIP ARE CHANGED – NO ANNOUNCEMENT MEANS NO CHANGE!
ANYONE PLANNING TO GO ON THESE TRIPS SHOULD INFORM THE LEADER/ORGANISER OF THE FIELD TRIP SO THAT PARTICIPANT NUMBERS ARE KNOWN IN ADVANCE (see phone numbers below).
As always, if car sharing can be organised, this will be helpful both from a carbon emissions point of view and because parking space is often restricted at the fieldtrip location. Remember that at some locations, amenities may not be available. All directions are suggestions only.
Tuesday 30th May – Sunday 4th June, 2023 – Weekend Trip to Scotland – By Car – Organiser: Sue Brealey.
- This trip is open to a maximum of 16, on a first come basis. Please contact Sue in order to make enquiries and/or to book places.
July – No Field Trip
August – No Field Trip
Sunday – 17th September, 2023 – RSPB Burton Mere – By Car – Organiser: Sue Brealey
- Full Day – Meet at the Car Park at 9.30am
- Post Code for SatNav: CH64 5SF
- Grid Ref: SJ31973
- What3Words: desktop.unfounded.lipstick
- Directions: Take A540 from Chester towards North Wirral. After the Two Miles crossroads (A540/A550), take the next left turning into Puddington Lane. The reserve is sign posted on the left, before coming to Burton village.
- See www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/dee-estuary-burton-mere-wetlands/
Sunday – 15th October, 2023 – Pennington Flash – By Car – Leader – Estelle Hughes
- Full Day – Meet at the Car Park at 10am
- Post code for SatNav: WN7 3PA
- Grid.Ref: SJ644990
- What3Words: longingly.visitors.mimic
- Directions: – From J22 of M6, take A580 towards Manchester. Turn left onto A572 (Newton Rd). Follow Sign Posts (Actually the Fire Station, but park is opposite). Pay & Display Car Park
- See: www.wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Leisure/Greenheart/Pennington-Flash.aspx
Sunday, 19th November , 2023 – Mere Sands Wood NNR & Lunt Meadows -By Car – Organiser: Sue Brealey
- Full Day – Meet at Car Park at 10am
- Mere Sands Wood
- Postcode for SatNav: L40 1TG
- Grid Ref: SD447159
- What3Words: coarser.suiting.stencil
- Directions: Take M6 north to J27. Turn left onto A5209 & follow it to Burscough and turn right onto A59. Follow A59 to just south of Rufford, and turn left onto A5246 (Holmeswood Road). The reserve is on the left. Car Park Charge £2.00
- See www.lancswt.org.uk/nature-reserves/mere-sands-wood-nature-reserve
- Lunt Meadows NNR
- Postcode for SatNav: L29 7WL
- Grid Ref: SD 353 017
- Directions from Mere Sand Woods: Turn right onto Holmeswood road, then onto A59 towards Ormskirk. Keep following A59 towards Maghull, turn right towards Sefton, turn onto Lunt Lane for the Reserve.
- See www.lancswt.org.uk/nature-reserves/lunt-meadows-nature-reserve
- Note: If using the bridges at Runcorn, for the trip in November if returning from Lunt Meadows, please note that there are tolls and payment will need to be paid at the following website: www.merseyflow.co.uk/pay-for-crossing & follow the instructions. This needs to be done on the day of the crossing otherwise fines could be incurred.
Sunday – 10th December, 2023 – WWT Martinmere – By Coach – Organiser: Sue Brealey
- Full Day – Meet at the Shirehall Car Park at 8.15am
- There will be a cost per person for the coach plus entry to the reserve for non-members. More details at a later date. Please book with Sue Brealey from September 2023.
Conract Details
- Sue Brealey 01939 262450//07713 164463
- Estelle Hughes 01948 840902//07817 243693
- Mim Elliott-Smith 01743 718616//07507 745497
- Jock Elliott-Smith 01743 718616//07800 543757
- Helen J. Griffiths 01597 811420//07800 880445
Email: fieldtrips@shropshirebirds.co.uk
