Dates for Your Diary

You would be very welcome to join any of our Field Meetings, just turn up at the specified time. There is no charge for South East Essex RSPB Local Group walks. Our experts can also give your group or club illustrated evening talks with 'The Birds in Your Garden' being the most popular. All we ask for these talks is a donation to our group of your choice. Please call the Group Leader on (01702) 297554 to book. We can also offer personal guided tours of the best birding spots in the Southend area at the time of your choosing, please click here.

Programme for 2009
Includes Both South East Essex RSPB Local Group and South Essex RSPB Project Team Events

Key to symbols:

Event organised by the RSPB South Essex Marshes Team Based at Wat Tyler CP. Please call 01268 559158 for information on these events. Download the full listing of events for Summer 2009 from the South Essex RSPB Project Team (3.7mb PDF file).

  Swallow Birding trip organised by Steve Grimwade.

  Lady Essex III Boat Trip by Gary Dunn.

Southend and Rochford Essex Wildlife Trust event.

 All other events are organised by the South East Essex RSPB Local Group.

Note that the RSPB visitor centre at Wat Tyler Country Park is now open every Thursday so you can learn more about wildlife and take part in activities. From 10am - 4pm, visitors will be able to see live footage of birds on TV, find out what the RSPB is doing for people and wildlife in South Essex and make a fatcake for the birds in their garden. Guided walks can also be given around the park if booked in advance, call 01268 559158. The RSPB visitor centre at Wat Tyler is also open at weekends.

July 2009

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Until the 26th July: A Date With Nature - Hovering Kestrels at Wat Tyler Country Park Get close-up views of kestrels hovering, hunting and feeding their hungry chicks this Summer at Wat Tyler Country Park, near Basildon. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm until 26th July to help you find out more about these fascinating birds and use telescopes and binoculars.

The viewpoint is on the perimeter path around the Park. Follow signs from the RSPB visitor centre or the Motorboat Museum car park.

For more information call the South Essex team on 01268 559158, email southessexproject@rspb.org.uk or visit www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature.

Friday 3rd July: Magical Moths – Wat Tyler Country Park 8.30pm
Back by popular demand a series of moth evenings at Wat Tyler Country Park. Come and help us set-up our harmless light traps. Then sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Bat detectors will also be used to discover just who is all of a flutter at night! Free event, small donation appreciated. Booking essential, call 01268 55915Click here to book on-line for this event.

  Saturday 4th July The Birds of Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
Price: 50. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

Saturday 4th July: Summer stroll on the marsh – RSPB Vange Marsh 10am
Join our monthly walk around the reserve to see how we are creating a place for wildlife and for people too. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 559158. Click here to book on-line for this event.

Saturday 4thJuly:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 10.00am and from Burnham at 10.15am. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 3.30pm and from Burnham at 3.45pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Saturday 4th July: Adult Community Learning Brentwood Workshop: Coastal Watching, 09.30 - 15.30
Are you fascinated by the sea and want to know more about what you can see from the shore? Learn about the Essex coast, its craft, tides, navigation, rescue services, wildlife and history. Adult Community Learning Bishops Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1BD. Fees: Full £39 / Benefit: £19 Lunch included. Call 01277 218593 to enroll.

Sunday 5th July:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 4.00pm and from Burnham at 4.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Monday 6th July:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 12.00pm and from Burnham at 12.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Monday 6th July: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 9th July: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 9th July: Dusk Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 8.30pm
Come for a summer evening walk in the park; join one of our friendly guides for a stroll at dusk and discover some of Wat Tyler’s nighttime wildlife. Booking essential, call 01268 559158.Click here to book on-line for this event.

Saturday 11th July 10.30 - 12:00: S. E. Essex Women's Environmental Network Community Food Growing Project (Now Kknown as ‘DIG IN’) Manchester Drive Allotments
Our potatoes are ready to harvest .. Lots of planting has taken place .. And we think the plot is looking good .. So come along and see what our band of workers has achieved. You can be sure of a warm welcome and a cup of tea! To find out more phone: Carol on 01702 342148. This project is funded by Grassroots Grants from the Office of the Third Sector, see our websites - www.SEEWEN-ALLOTMENT.org.uk & www.SEEWEN.org.uk.

Saturday 11th July: All of a Flutter on RSPB West Canvey Marsh, 2pm
Join our warden as we look for butterflies and find out more about our exciting plans for this new nature reserve. Booking essential, call 01268 559158. Click here to book on-line for this event.

Sunday 12th July: Big Family Fun Day at Wat Tyler Country Park, 10.30am – 4.30pm
With a wide range of wildlife themed activities especially for families, you’re guaranteed to have a great day out! From pond dipping to mini beast hunting, there will be something to discover for everyone. Free event, small charge for some activities.

  Sunday 12th July Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire
& Rutland Water (Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies) Price: 45. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

Sunday 12thJuly:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 10.00am and from Burnham at 10.15am, Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 12.00pm Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 3.00pm and from Burnham at 3.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Monday 13th July: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Tuesday 14th July: Dusk walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 8.30pm
Come for a summer evening walk in the park; join one of our friendly guides for a stroll at dusk and discover some of Wat Tyler’s nighttime wildlife. Booking essential, call 01268 559158.Click here to book on-line for this event.

Thursday 16th July: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 16th July: Adult Community Learning Brentwood Workshop: Bird watching in Essex, 09.30 - 15.30
One day Workshop for those with little or no experience of bird watching but who want to confidently identify the more common birds that live with us in our gardens and towns. Adult Community Learning Bishops Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1BD. Fees: Full £39 / Benefit: £19 Lunch included. Call 01277 218593 to enroll.

Friday 17th July:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 12.00pm and from Burnham at 12.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Friday 17th July: Magical Moths – Wat Tyler Country Park 8.30pm
Back by popular demand a series of moth evenings at Wat Tyler Country Park. Come and help us set-up our harmless light traps. Then sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Bat detectors will also be used to discover just who is all of a flutter at night! Free event, small donation appreciated. Booking essential, call 01268 55915Click here to book on-line for this event.

  Saturday 18th Sunday 19th July The New Forest, Hampshire (Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies)
Tour includes:
Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 1 night
Not included: Evening meal and lunches
Price: 135. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk 

Saturday 18th July: SE Essex Organic Gardeners Trip to Garden Organic Ryton
Ten acres of display gardens are managed entirely organically and all aspects of domestic horticulture are on show, including composting, pest and disease control, fruit and vegetable production, herbs, roses, lawns, shrubberies and herbaceous plantings.

A large conservation area includes native trees, a wildflower meadow and lake, and wildflowers are also much in evidence as part of the landscaping and in a back garden setting in their RSPB Wildlife Garden.

Other interesting features include the Paradise Garden (a memorial to Geoff Hamilton), a bee garden, living willow structures and the Vegetable Kingdom Seed Conservation and Visitors’ Centre.

Prices include admission to Ryton and Guided Tour. For further details, contact Carole Shorney on 01702 201914.

Saturday 18thJuly:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 2.00pm and from Burnham at 2.15pm. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 6.00pm and from Burnham at 6.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Sunday 19thJuly:  Wallasea Wetlands and Wildlife and Seal Trip Aboard the Lady Essex III. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 10.00am and from Burnham at 10.15am. Departs Essex Marina, Wallasea Island at 3.00pm and from Burnham at 3.15pm.
Tour passes close to the current Wallasea Wetland Scheme on a rising Tide affording good views of the high tide roosts of the Waders, before heading into the River Roach passing between Foulness and Potton Islands. We then enter a system of narrow shallow creeks where again we expect to see good numbers of Waders and, if we are lucky, Raptors too. Target Species include Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel to name but some. There is a very good chance of seeing one of our seal colonies with excellent close up views of the seals. Trips last approximately two and a half hours and all tickets are £15.00. Booking is essential. please call 01702 258666 to reserve a place.

Monday 20th July: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Monday 20th July: SE Essex Organic Gardeners Event - Maximise Recycling Scheme One Year On, St. David's Church Hall, 400 Rayleigh Road (off The Rodings), Eastwood SS9 5PT, 08.15 (For safety reasons, there must be no admittance to hall and car park before 8.00pm)
Maximise Recycling Scheme One Year On with Miranda Curme, Rochford Recycling Officer. Miranda will be looking at the great success of the scheme (increased recycling rates, reduction of waste to landfill and increase in participation) and some of the challenges ahead. Non-members £2.00 - everybody is welcome! Contact Carole Shorney on 01702 201914 for details.

Tuesday 21st – Friday 31st July: Summer Fun at Wat Tyler Country Park, 10.00am – 5pm
It’s the summer holidays and Wat Tyler Country Park is a fantastic day out for all the family. There will be a different wildlife theme each week in the RSPB Visitor Centre, with FREE walks around the park and lots of children’s activities too! Free event, small charge for some activities.

Thursday 23rd July: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 23rd July: Dusk Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 8.30pm.
Come for a summer evening walk in the park; join one of our friendly guides for a stroll at dusk and discover some of Wat Tyler’s nighttime wildlife. Booking essential, call 01268 559158.Click here to book on-line for this event.

Saturday 25th July: Greensward Academy, Main Hall, Greensward Lane, Hockley SS5 5HG. 1.30pm: SE Essex Gardeners Seminar designed to encourage the growing of your own food both on an allotment, in your own garden and even on the patio using the principles of organic gardening.
SE Essex Organic Gardeners are running a series of organic gardening seminars in the community across SE Essex, which are being led by Robert Wiseman. This project has been funded by a Grassroots Grant from the Office of the Third Sector, which is managed by Essex Community Foundation. This event is sponsored by Rochford Housing. Everybody is welcome at these seminars, for which there will be a nominal charge of £2.00, with a wide range of concessions - please ask if you think you are entitled to free admission. Children under the age of 16 are also free if they are with their parents. Seminars will be for up to 200 delegates per seminar, depending on venue. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Other concessions may apply for exemption. Contact: Robert Wiseman on 07941 078135 for further details. http://www.gardencoursesessex.org.uk.

Friday 31st July: Magical Moths – Wat Tyler Country Park 8.30pm.
Back by popular demand a series of moth evenings at Wat Tyler Country Park. Come and help us set-up our harmless light traps. Then sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Bat detectors will also be used to discover just who is all of a flutter at night! Free event, small donation appreciated. Booking essential, call 01268 55915. Click here to book on-line for this event.

August 2009

Saturday 1st August: Summer Walk on the Marsh – RSPB Vange Marsh 10am
Join our monthly walk around the reserve to see how we are creating a place for wildlife and for people too. Guided walks cost £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children. RSPB members and RSPB Wildlife Explorers receive £1 discount. Booking essential, call 01268 559158. Click here to book on-line for this event.

Saturday 1st – Tuesday 18th August: Summer Fun at Wat Tyler Country Park, 10.00am – 5pm
It’s the summer holidays and Wat Tyler Country Park is a fantastic day out for all the family. There will be a different wildlife theme each week in the RSPB Visitor Centre, with FREE walks around the park and lots of children’s activities too! Free event, small charge for some activities.

Monday 3rd August: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 6th August: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Monday 10th August: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 13th August: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Monday 17th August: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Wednesday 19th August: Wild Fun at the Farm, The Salvation Army Farm, Hadleigh 10.30am – 4.30pm
We’re back for a third time at The Salvation Army’s wonderful farm. Join us for a range of fun activities getting you closer to nature and complete the puzzles to receive a prize. You can also visit the animals at the rare breeds centre (entry charge). Free event, small charge for some activities.

Thursday 20th – Monday 31st August: Summer Fun at Wat Tyler Country Park, 10.00am – 5pm.
It’s the summer holidays and Wat Tyler Country Park is a fantastic day out for all the family. There will be a different wildlife theme each week in the RSPB Visitor Centre, with FREE walks around the park and lots of children’s activities too! Free event, small charge for some activities.

Thursday 20th August: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

  Sunday 23rd August Waders of North Norfolk
Price: 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

Monday 24th August: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

Thursday 27th August: Thursday Wildlife Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Come for a FREE guided walk each Thursday around Wat Tyler Country Park, discover the wildlife of the park and see the changes that each season brings. Free event, no need to book.

Monday 31st August: Healthy Living Walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, 12.30.
Come for a brisk 30-minute walk around Wat Tyler Country Park on a regular basis to improve your fitness in peaceful surroundings. Free event, no need to book.

September 2009

  Saturday 5th Sunday 6th September and also Saturday 12th Sunday 13th September - SOUTHERN SWEDEN Raptor Migration, Falsterbo
Tour includes:
Flights from London Stansted to Copenhagen
Bed & Breakfast accommodation for 1 night
Not included: Lunches and Evening meals
Price: 290. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

  Sunday 27th September Highlights of Essex
Price: 35. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

October 2009

  Saturday 10th October Where the pager takes us
Price: 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

  Saturday 17th Friday 23rd October also Saturday 24th Friday 30th October CORNWALL - Isles of Scilly
Tour includes:
Helicopter flight from Penzance to St Marys
Half board accommodation for 6 nights
Price: 750. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

November 2009

  Sunday 1st November Where the pager takes us
Price: 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

  Friday 6th Monday 9th November SOUTHERN SPAIN Coto Donana
Tour includes:
Flights from London Stansted to Seville
Full board accommodation for 3 nights
Price: 560. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

15th November is Raptors, Wildfowl and Waders, Isle of Sheppey
Kent 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

  Saturday 28th November Birding the Suffolk Coast
Price: 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

December 2009

  Sunday 13th December Cranes and Raptors in the Norfolk Broads
Price: 40. To book this trip or request a brochure, contact Annette Adams or Steve Grimwade at:
Swallow Birding
Swan Cottage, 370 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
Tel: 01206 210662
Email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk
Website: http://www.swallowbirding.co.uk

---

Notes on Meetings and Field Trips

Indoor Meetings From September 2006: Blenheim Centre, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea SS9 4HX. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start. Entrance fee £3.00.

Directions: On the A127 after passing under the Rayleigh Weir underpass make sure that you are in the right hand lane. At the first set of traffic lights take the right filter turn into The Fairway. Follow this road until arriving at a T-junction and a set of traffic lights. Turn right into Eastwood Road North and follow the road as it bends around to the left past Blenheim Park and golf course. At the mini roundabout continue straight on, continue on past the next set of  traffic lights, the entrance to the school is the third road on your left just before the playing fields. See on-line map by clicking here.

Coach Trips: All coach trips commence at Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea at the time stated on this page. Pick-up points are at The Bell Hotel, Prince Avenue, Kent Elms Corner, Westleigh School, Thames Drive, and Hadleigh Church and Halfords at Rayleigh Weir. Bookings should be made through Cath Williams at one of the indoor meetings.

The RSPB Southend Local Group organises coach trips to nature reserves and other sites that permit access to the public, sometimes for an entrance fee or donation Please red the following guidelines:

• coach company safety regulations for stowage of heavy and /or bulky objects may require tripods and telescopes to be stowed in the luggage hold
• ensure that you have suitable warm/waterproof clothing and footwear
• where refreshments and toilet facilities are available at the site this will be clearly stated in the itinerary/excursion information. Please note that not all reserves offer these facilities
• If you have any medical condition which may put you at risk, please inform the organiser when booking and they will advise you on the suitability of the itinerary/excursion. Ensure that you have any medications required for the day. Whilst every effort will be made to provide assistance where this is required, we cannot provide medical or first-aid expertise

Please Note: Payments for trips to be paid in full when booking. Cheques should be made payable to "RSPB South East Essex Local Group". 

Packed lunches and suitable footwear are essential and waterproof clothing advisable, preferably dull.

Field Meetings: are intended as short outings of 2-3 hours duration at sites in the local area or within short travelling distance. If the weather is fine and the "birding" good the walk may be extended; it is up to the individuals how long they stay. Occasionally, to provide variety, some locations a little further afield may be chosen.

In the winter months it is essential to wear clothing (preferably dull colours) and footwear to suit the prevailing weather conditions.

Transport is not provided.