The LNHS has suspended its indoor and outdoor events to follow the guidance of the UK Government which has introduced social distancing measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). We will continue to monitor the situation and LNHS events will resume when this is compatible with the advice issued by the UK Government. We will publicise resumption of events using the LNHS social media channels (including email groups). Your patience is appreciated and we hope everyone will stay safe.
The London Bird Club organises around 25 guided bird watching walks a year, averaging almost one per fortnight. These are not limited to LNHS member and all are welcome. They are a brilliant way to get outdoors in the company of like-minded wildlife enthusiasts and to discover some of London’s great locations for wildlife. The walks are led by leaders who are often interested in not just the birds but the other popular groups such as butterflies, dragonflies and plants as well. The walks are also a good way for upskilling and developing naturalist skills for people who want to develop careers in research and conservation.
For ease of reference, the LBC walks in the current LNHS programme (spanning 6 months) are listed below.
Download the LBC Checklist for the commoner birds, butterflies and dragonflies seen on LBC Walks.
Programme
March 2020
Saturday 21 March 2020
10:30 am. London Wetland Centre. One of Europe’s premier urban wetland reserves. Summer birds and other wildlife. Meet outside visitor centre at 10.30am by Sir Peter Scott statue. Non-WWT members, do not get your tickets until the group has assembled. Michael Howard & Shailesh Patel. For directions see https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/plan-your-visit/directions/ (Toilets.)
Sunday 22 March 2020
10.00am. Brent Reservoir for wildfowl, late winter visitors (Bullfinch possible) and early summer migrants. Andrew Peel. Meet 10.00 am Cool Oak Lane Bridge (TQ219 877). Nearest station, Hendon (NR St. Pancras.). AM only. (No toilets.)
April 2020
Sunday 05 April 2020
10.00am. Crossness for early migrants and waders. George Kalli. 10:00 am Belvedere Stn. (NR Charing Cross). Bring lunch. (No toilets.)
May 2020
Saturday 09 May 2020
10.00am. Totteridge/Darland’s Lake for woodland birds & spring flowers. Robin Blades. Meet 10:00 am Totteridge & Whetstone Stn (Northern). Bring lunch. (No toilets.)
Saturday 16 May 2020
9.00am. Greenwich Park for Nuthatch, Woodpeckers, Blackcap and fledglings. Joe Beale. Meet 09:00 am at Blackheath Gate entrance (TQ392768). Nearest stn Blackheath (NR Charing X) and buses 53, 54,202, 380. AM only.
June 2020
Saturday 13 June 2020 London Wetland Centre
10.30am-2.00pm. London Wetland Centre. One of Europe’s premier urban wetland reserves. Summer birds and other wildlife. Richard Bullock (Biodiversity Officer, WWT) and Gehan de Silva. Meet outside visitor centre at 10.30am by Sir Peter Scott statue. Non-WWT members, do not get your tickets until the group has assembled. Directions & Facilities: See London Wetland Centre website. (Café & Toilets.)
Saturday 20 June 2020 Amwell Nature Reserve
10.00am. Amwell Nature Reserve, Herts & Middlesex WT for waterfowl, warblers and raptors possible Marsh Tit, Little Ringed Plover, Hobby plus odonata and orchids. Francis O Sullivan. Meet St Margarets (Herts) Station 10.00am (NR Liv. St or Tottenham Hale). Bring Lunch. (No toilets.)
August 2020
Saturday 08 August 2020 Foots Cray Meadows
Sunday 16 August 2020 Staines Reservoir
Saturday 22 August 2020 Ruislip Woods NNR
10.00am. Ruislip Woods NNR for woodland birds and general natural history. Neil Anderson. Meet 10:00 am at bus stop in Reservoir Road (TQ087892). Nearest station Ruislip (Met/Picc), then H13 to Lido or 331bus to Ducks Hill Road. Long half day. (Toilets, cafe & pub!)
September 2020
Saturday 12 September 2020 London Wetland Centre
10:30 am. London Wetland Centre. One of Europe’s premier urban wetland reserves. Summer birds and other wildlife. Meet outside visitor centre at 10.30am by Sir Peter Scott statue. Non-WWT members, do not get your tickets until the group has assembled. Michael Howard & Shailesh Patel. For directions see https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/plan-your-visit/directions/ (Toilets.)
October 2020
Saturday 10 October 2020 Crossness
November 2020
Saturday 21 November 2020 London Wetland Centre
10.30am – 2.00pm. London Bird Club Walk: London Wetland Centre for winter birds and other wildlife in autumn. Richard Bullock & Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne. At one of Europe’s premier urban wetland reserves, we will look for Bittern, wintering wildfowl and more. Meet 10.30am outside visitor centre by Sir Peter Scott statue. Non WWT members, please do not get your tickets until the group has assembled. Directions & Facilities: See London Wetland Centre website. (Café & Toilets.)
Cost
It is free to join the walks. However, note that a small number of the walks take place in sites which have an admission charge for non-members. For example, sites managed by the RSPB and WWT. At these sites, participants should expect to pay the usual admission fees (unless they are members of the organisation managing the site). Where a site charges an entry fee, this is clearly indicated in the programme.
Beginners
Beginners are very welcome. The leaders and other experienced people who join the walks are happy to point things out for beginners.
Equipment
Binoculars are recommended. Remember to bring appropriate clothing for weather which can suddenly take an adverse turn.
