Outdoor meetings 2009 /2010

For Cheltenham Bird Club coach trips the cost is usually £15 per person for members (£20 for non-members). The coach leaves Bournside School in Cheltenham at 7am returning at 6-7pm. Please bring all you need for the day (food, wet weather clothing etc). We usually stop for refeshments in the morning but are always flexible. Local morning meetings usually conclude at lunchtime but many stay longer (especially if the weather is nice).

Early booking advised for coach trips - see Field Trips Secretary at evening meetings or contact on 01594 544042.

Saturday March 13^th – Blashford Pools, Hampshire 

These ex-gravel pits are ideally sited to pick up early spring migrants as well as having lots of resident and winter species. This is a well developed area with hides, blinds and a visitor centre and should be ideal to visit at this time of year. Travel by coach leaving Bournside School at 7am.  

Sunday April 11^th – Cleeve Hill 

For some years we have held a dawn chorus meeting at the eastern end of the Hill so it will be interesting to have a full morning walk around the area. With both early breeding and later migration at full tilt we would hope for an interesting mix of species that could include Ring Ousel or Grasshopper Warbler along with raptors and passerines. Meet 7am (early start to avoid the crowds!!) by the radio masts – details at evening meetings.

Monday April 26th - Severn Ham

A short walk around this Ham near Tewkesbury for early migrants, water birds and possible Corn Bunting and Curlew. Meet at the Pay Car Park on the left hand side of the road from Cheltenham shortly before the abbey. Grid Ref. SO 888323. Meet at 7pm

Monday May 3rd - Leckhampton Hill

A walk for Yellowhammer, Tree Pipit and spring migrants. Meet at Brownslow Quarry Car Park beyond the large newly built house on Hartley Lane off the B4070. Grid Ref. SO951179. Meet at 7pm

Monday May 10th - Brockhampton

A circular walk around Bakers Wood Lane and back through Whitehall Wood ( by kind permission of Mr E Bailey) where we should see Tree Pipit, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended. Take the A40 to Andoversford, turn left at the lights on to the A436 then first left and follow signs for Brockhampton. Turn right at Brockhampton Park / Deer Park into the village, continue on this road past a telephone box on the left. After 100 yards park by garages on the left. Grid Ref. SP037224. Meet at 7pm

Saturday May 15th - Lower Moor Farm, Oaksey

Another chance to visit the heronry at thiis reserve plus a new extension making a five mile walk. From the A417 take the Spine Road, cross the staggered crossroads and continue for a further 1.75 miles to a second crossroads. On for further 0.5 mile to the reserve car park on the left side of the road. Grid Ref. SU007938. Meet at 9.30am. 

Sunday May 23^rd – Elan Valley / Gigrin farm 

A day in Mid Wales to visit the reservoirs, woodland and upland areas (Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Peregrine, etc) in the Elan valley near to Rhayader followed, for those that wish, by an hour or so at the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin. A charge of £4 is made for admittance to the farm. Travel by coach departing at 7am from Bournside school.    

Monday May 24th - to be arranged

Monday May 31st - Elkstone

A walk across farmland and rough grazing. From Cheltenham take the A435 to Cirencester. Stay on this road past the signs for Coberley and then Cowley. Turn right at the sign for the Green Dragon Inn. Go past the inn, up a steep hill, over some crossroads and straight on for 0.5 mile to Elkstone. Immediately past the church meet on the right at a minor crossroads. Limited car parking so please share cars. Grid ref. SO968122. Meet at 7pm

Saturday June 12^th – Wiltshire Downs 

Travelling by shared cars we shall seek out some of the special birds of the Downs on a leisurely day out. Exact sites to be decided nearer the time – we will meet at Bournside School at 8am – please be prepared to drive.

Saturday July 3rd - Forest of Dean

Our annual trip to the Forest to catch up with Nightjar, Woodcock, Owls and other woodland residents (including possible Boar and Deer). Meet at the Co-op supermarket car park in Dockham Road, Cinderford at 7pm. Note: insect repellent strongly recommended.