You would be very welcome to join any of our field
walks, 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) 525152 for more information.
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.
February 2012
All February: Shopping for nature! – 10am – 4pm
Discover our wonderful cottage corner with original art and crafts on sale, with 20% of all proceeds going straight to the RSPB. An excellent chance to find that unique gift. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea
Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Monday February 06th February: Healthy Living walk 12.30pm - 1pm
Join us for a brisk 30 minute walk. Improve your fitness under big skies, surrounded by nature. No need to book Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Wednesday 8th – Tuesday 14th February: Swallow Birding Trip - WESTERN MOROCCO - DESERT & COAST
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Wednesday 08th February: Little Owls Club - 10am – 12noon
Come along for some outside fun and activities aimed at the under 5’s. No need to book. Cost £3.50 per child, £2.50 for RSPB members. Location: RSPB Discovery Zone, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Thursday 09th February: Wildlife Walk 10.30am – 12.30pm
Discover the wildlife of Wat Tyler Park. Following the creeks of Pitsea through glorious nature, returning in time for lunch. No need to book. Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane,
Basildon SS16 4UH.
Sunday 12th - 17th February: Nestbox Week - 10am – 4pm.
The best week of the year is back – Nestbox week! Come along and build a nestbox or bug home and take to take home and put out in your garden. There will also be lots of other things going on, including crafts and nature trails. No need
to book. Cost Free entry. £6 per nestbox/bug home. £10 for both. Location: RSPB Discovery Zone, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Monday February 13th February: Healthy Living walk 12.30pm - 1pm
Join us for a brisk 30 minute walk. Improve your fitness under big skies, surrounded by nature. No need to book Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Thursday 16th February: Wildlife Walk 10.30am – 12.30pm
Discover the wildlife of Wat Tyler Park. Following the creeks of Pitsea through glorious nature, returning in time for lunch. No need to book. Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane,
Basildon SS16 4UH.
Sunday 19th February: Swallow Birding Trip - COASTAL SUFFOLK BIRDING
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 19th February: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Field Meeting - Two Tree Island.
Follow the road behind Leigh railway station. Cross narrow bridge over the creek and park on the left. Meet at 09:00 in car park.
Sunday 19th February: Warden Experience Day - 10am – 4pm
14 – 19 years old? Get muddy for wildlife and have a great time discovering life as an RSPB Warden with hands on, practical conservation work. Booking essential call 01268 498620 or click here to book online. Cost Free. Location: Meet at RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat
Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Monday February 20th February: Healthy Living walk 12.30pm - 1pm
Join us for a brisk 30 minute walk. Improve your fitness under big skies, surrounded by nature. No need to book Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Wednesday 22nd February: Little Owls Club - 10am – 12noon
Come along for some outside fun and activities aimed at the under 5’s. No need to book. Cost £3.50 per child, £2.50 for RSPB members. Location: RSPB Discovery Zone, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
Thursday 23rd February: Wildlife Walk 10.30am – 12.30pm
Discover the wildlife of Wat Tyler Park. Following the creeks of Pitsea through glorious nature, returning in time for lunch. No need to book. Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane,
Basildon SS16 4UH.
Saturday 25th February: Swallow Birding Trip - BIRDING IN NORTH WEST NORFOLK
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 25th February: RSPB Wallasea Wander. Take a Wander along the seawall with the Wallasea Birder and project volunteers. Watch the landscape change with the seasons and be inspired by the sheer scale of the Wild Coast on your doorstep. Directions: Wallasea Island - meeting at the Wetlands car park, 3/4 of a mile beyond Grapnell's Farm yard. Free Event. Booking essential as times are dictated by tides - please contact Hilary Hunter on 01702 258357 or email hilary.hunter@rspb.org.uk for booking and times.
Saturday 25th February, 10am - 2pm South East Essex Organic
Gardeners Event - Essex Seed Potato Day
In association with Leigh-on-Sea Allotment & Leisure Garden
Association and SE Essex Organic Gardeners. Over 40 varieties of
potato (one third organic) sold individually at 14p per tuber.
Venue: Growing Together Gardens, 47 Fairfax Drive,
Southend-on-Sea. SSO 9AG
(corner of Fairfax Drive and Prittlewell Chase). Please park in
Prittlewell Chase and use Fairfax Drive entrance. Admission
price: £1.00 - Refreshments. See:
http://www.seeog.org.uk.
Monday February 27th February: Healthy Living walk 12.30pm - 1pm
Join us for a brisk 30 minute walk. Improve your fitness under big skies, surrounded by nature. No need to book Cost: Free event. Location: RSPB Visitor Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon SS16 4UH.
March 2012
Saturday 03rd March: Bowers Marsh Sneak Preview walk - 10am – 12noon
Get a behind the scenes look at our brand new reserve before it opens to the public. A great chance to get close to some amazing wildlife. Booking essential call 01268 498620 or click here to book online. Cost £3.50 per child, £2.50 for RSPB members. Location: RSPB Bowers Marsh, meet in the new car park on the reserve which can be accessed at the end of Church Road beyond St Margaret’s Church.
Sunday 4th March: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Field Meeting - Hockley Woods.
Entrance to cark park is next to The Bull public house on the B1013 Rayleigh to Hockley road. Meet at 08:00 in the car park.
Saturday 04th March: RSPB Illustrated Talk - The
Treasures of Our Local Coast. Riverside Nursery, Lower Road, Hullbridge From
2pm.
Free afternoon special event. Come along for free and discover the
amazing birds and wildlife to be seen around the Southend coast. All welcome.
Wednesday 7th March: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Indoor Meeting - Birds of South East England by Brian Gallop.
The Main Hall, Blenheim School, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea. SS9 4HX. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission £3 for members, suggested £4 donation for non-members. All welcome.
Sunday 11th March: Swallow Birding Trip - HERTFORDSHIRE BIRDING
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Friday 16th – Monday 19th March: Swallow Birding Trip - SECRET SPAIN - BIRDING IN EXTREMADURA
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 18th March: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Coach trip to RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Visitor Centre, Hides, Toilets, Cafe, Shop. Coach Cost £13.00. N.B. Coach leaves Victoria Avenue at 07:30 (White Horse 07:20).
Sunday 25th March – Sunday 1st April: Swallow Birding Trip - CYPRUS – SPRING BIRDING ON APHRODITE’S ISLAND
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
April 2012
Wednesday 04th April: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Indoor Meeting - Rwanda and Burundi the Heart of the Dark Continent by Ann Scott.
The Main Hall, Blenheim School, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea. SS9 4HX. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission £3 for members, suggested £4 donation for non-members. All welcome.
Tuesday 10th April: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Coffee Morning - W. I. HALL, Rochford Square. 09:00-12:00.
Stalls include cakes, preserves, plants, crafts, books & RSPB goods.
Saturday 14th April: Swallow Birding Trip - SPRING IN ASHDOWN FOREST
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 15th April: Swallow Birding Trip - THE BRECKS - BORDERLINE BIRDING
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Friday 20th – Monday 23rd April: Swallow Birding Trip - SPANISH PYRENEES – SECRETS OF ARAGON
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 22nd April: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Coach trip to Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve. Kent.
Cafe & toilets. Visitor Centre, Hides, Toilets, Cafe, Shop. Coach Cost £13.00. N.B. Coach leaves Victoria Avenue at 07:30 (White Horse 07:20).
Saturday 28th – Monday 30th April: Swallow Birding Trip - LANCASHIRE - MOORLAND & MARSH
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 29th April: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Field Meeting to Bradwell Bird Observatory.
Follow B1021 to Bradwell and then follow the signs to St. Peters Chapel. Meet at 8am in the
car park.
May 2012
Wednesday 02nd May: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Indoor Meeting - The Wallasea Island Project by Chris Tyas.
The Main Hall, Blenheim School, School Way, Blenheim Chase, Leigh on Sea. SS9 4HX. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Admission £3 for members, suggested £4 donation for non-members. All welcome.
Saturday 5th – Wednesday 9th May: Swallow Birding Trip - BULGARIA & NORTHERN GREECE – OLIVE TREES & DALMATIANS
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 06th May: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Field meeting - Stow Maries Aerodrome.
Take A132 from Rettendon Turnpike. At 3rd roundabout take 1st exit, the B1012. Take 2nd left into Church Lane (signposted Stow Maries). Turn right into The
Street, continue forward onto Stow Road. Turn left into Hackmans Lane at Cold Norton (just past 3 Rivers golf club). Continue along Hackmans Lanes and turn
left onto Flambirds Chase just past tractor sign, continue along track through Flambirds Farm, the aerodrome is straight ahead. Meet in the car park at
08:00. Please note that there is a £4 entrance charge to this site.
Saturday 12th – Wednesday 16th May: Swallow Birding Trip - POLAND - BIAŁOWIEŻA FOREST & BIEBRZA MARSHES
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 20th May: Swallow Birding Trip - WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US - SPRING MIGRATION
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 20th May: South East Essex Local RSPB Group Coach Trip to RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
Visitor Centre, Hides, Toilets, Cafe, Shop. Coach Cost £13.00. N.B. Coach leaves Victoria Avenue at 07:30 (White Horse 07:20).
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th May: Swallow Birding Trip - PEMBROKESHIRE & SKOMER ISLAND
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
June 2012
Saturday 9th – Saturday 16th June: Swallow Birding Trip - ULTIMATE SHETLAND
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 23rd June: Swallow Birding Trip - MINSMERE & SUFFOLK COAST INCLUDING NIGHTJAR EVENING
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
July 2012
Sunday 1st July: Swallow Birding Trip - WILTSHIRE - SALISBURY PLAIN & GREAT BUSTARDS
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 28th July: Swallow Birding Trip - THURSLEY COMMON - BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER WILDLIFE
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
August 2012
Sunday 5th August: Swallow Birding Trip - BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES OF KENT
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
September 2012
Friday 14th - Monday 17th September: Swallow Birding Trip - SEABIRDS & MIGRANTS IN YORKSHIRE
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 23rd September: Swallow Birding Trip - WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US - AUTUMN SPECIAL
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 30th September: Swallow Birding Trip - WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US - AUTUMN SPECIAL #2
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
October 2012
Saturday 6th – Monday 8th October: Swallow Birding Trip - AUTUMN IN NORTH NORFOLK
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 13th – Friday 19th October: Swallow Birding Trip - GOLDEN ISLES OF SCILLY - AUTUMN MIGRATION
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 27th October: Swallow Birding Trip - WHERE THE PAGER TAKES US - LATE AUTUMN SPECIAL
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
November 2012
Sunday 4th November: Swallow Birding Trip - BIRDING ON THE SUFFOLK COAST
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Friday 9th – Monday 12th November: Swallow Birding Trip - EARLY WINTER IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 18th November: Swallow Birding Trip - WINTER IN NORTHWEST NORFOLK
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Saturday 24th November: Swallow Birding Trip - WINTER BIRDING IN THE BRECKS
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
December 2012
Sunday 2nd December: Swallow Birding Trip - CAMBRIDGESHIRE BIRDING
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Sunday 9th December: Swallow Birding Trip - WINTER WILDFOWL & RAPTORS ON THE ISLE OF SHEPPEY
Call 01206 210662 or email: info@swallowbirding.co.uk or visit the website www.swallowbirding.co.uk for booking details.
Notes on Meetings and Field Trips
Indoor meetings are held at Blenheim School Hall, 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.
Dates
for Your Diary
Lady Essex III Boat Trip by Gary Dunn.