Birdfair is re-born. Join in to make this THE future of Conserving Nature Worldwide
Global Birdfair Big Butterfly Count
Big Global Birdfair Butterfly Count
Butterfly Conservation, Swallow S4,5,6
Butterfly Conservation, Swallow S4,5,6
Get Out for the Count!
Drop by the Butterfly Conservation stand between 11am and 3pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to grab your free butterfly ID guide and take part in the Big Butterfly Count 2025.
Experts will be on hand to help with your burning butterfly questions, and we’ll be keeping a runny tally of the species you’ve spotted over
Get Out for the Count!
Drop by the Butterfly Conservation stand between 11am and 3pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to grab your free butterfly ID guide and take part in the Big Butterfly Count 2025.
Experts will be on hand to help with your burning butterfly questions, and we’ll be keeping a runny tally of the species you’ve spotted over the three days. Who will come out on top of the Global Birdfair charts?
Butterfly Conservation, Swallow S4,5,6
Butterfly Conservation, Swallow S4,5,6
Butterfly Conservation, Swallow S4,5,6
Young visitors can join in too!
Visit the Butterfly Conservation Stand in Swallow, S4,5,6, pick up your ID guide, see how many butterfly species you can see and report back!
Young visitors also receive a certificate when they log their sightings!
Watch the species tally grow during the event.
Butterfly Conservation is supported by Conservation Sponsors Limosa and WildWings
Canon Speaker Schedule at Hobby H6
Find Canon in H6 Hobby
Plus Exclusive Show Offers
Plus Exclusive Show Offers
There is a fantastic Speaker Schedule on each of the event at the Canon Stand, H6 Hobby
Scheduled each day at
11.00 am
12.30pm
2.00pm
3.00pm
Including talks by professional photographers Jack Lodge and Ben Cherry
Plus Exclusive Show Offers
Plus Exclusive Show Offers
Plus Exclusive Show Offers
Check out the dedicated Canon page for details of Exclusive Show Offers.
Don't forget you can buy your Canon gear at Park Cameras, next to Canon in Hobby H5
Global Birdfair Bio-blitz - How many species in 3 days?
Bio Blitz with Pan Species Listing 10.00am and 2.00pm each day
You can attend one of the six one-hour biolblitzes/workshops that we'll be doing over the weekend
There are two each day at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm mustering at our marquee at R78 ROBIN.
On FRIDAY at 10.00am there is a workshop in OWL before heading out to the field
Last year, with very little prep, we used the fantastic new pan-species listi
You can attend one of the six one-hour biolblitzes/workshops that we'll be doing over the weekend
There are two each day at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm mustering at our marquee at R78 ROBIN.
On FRIDAY at 10.00am there is a workshop in OWL before heading out to the field
Last year, with very little prep, we used the fantastic new pan-species listing website to collate all the sightings of all species recorded over the weekend at Global Birdfair into one big list, a pan-species list. We recorded collectively some 641 species, with an impressive 437 of these being invertebrates. You can read more about the 2024 event here.
These were generating hundreds of records, in fact most bioblitzes generated around 200 species across all taxa per hour! Bring a net if you have one.
Report sightings to Robin, R78 - every species counts!
- If you are running recording events yourselves or are just doing some casual recording in the area, then come along to our stand and let us know what you have seen.
- If anyone is running a moth trap, please let us have your species lists too.
- Remember, EVERYTHING counts in PSL, not just moths, plants and birds, but every beetle, spider, lich
- If you are running recording events yourselves or are just doing some casual recording in the area, then come along to our stand and let us know what you have seen.
- If anyone is running a moth trap, please let us have your species lists too.
- Remember, EVERYTHING counts in PSL, not just moths, plants and birds, but every beetle, spider, lichen, fungi and sea slug. Well, I doubt very much we will have any sea slugs but I can but dream!
Nature Walks and Activities
Alice Vassallo - @AssholeAnimalsWithAlice
Join James Cook (@WildlifeWithCookie on YouTube), Alice Vassallo (host of the @AssholeAnimalsWithAlice podcast), and Pulsar (thermal sponsors of the Global Birdfair) on a series of thermal nature walks & discussions, every day across the Global Birdfair weekend.
Meet up in Falcon Marquee at the Pulsar stand F7 at 13.30 each day.
Thermal Nature Walks and Talks with Pulsar
James, Alice & Pulsar will be on the Pulsar stand F7 in Falcon Marquee at 13:30 every day for a 30-minute discussion + Q&A, before heading out for the nature walk at 14:00.
Walks should last approx. 90 minutes
No Booking Required
After the thermal nature walks, head back to the Pulsar stand in Falcon Marquee to view and demo their full rang
James, Alice & Pulsar will be on the Pulsar stand F7 in Falcon Marquee at 13:30 every day for a 30-minute discussion + Q&A, before heading out for the nature walk at 14:00.
Walks should last approx. 90 minutes
No Booking Required
After the thermal nature walks, head back to the Pulsar stand in Falcon Marquee to view and demo their full range of thermal imaging devices. If you spot something you want to buy, let the guys on the stand know, or head directly to Simpson Brothers Thermal 4 Birding stand, in Hobby Marquee, who will be selling Pulsar devices all weekend.
James Cook - @WildlifeWithCookie
James Cook - @WildlifeWithCookie
Along with their expertise, James & Alice will be offering you the chance to get hands-on with Pulsar’s range of thermal imaging devices; showcasing how much more you can spot when darkness, foliage, and cryptic camo are no obstacle.
Meet up in Falcon Marquee at the Pulsar stand at 13.30 each day.
Birding and Nature Walks with ZEISS Ambassadors
Nature Walks
Birding Walks
Nature Walks
Nick Baker and Ellen Bradley will be leading nature walks at 1pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday, after which you will be able to examine your findings even further using a ZEISS microscope in the Discovery Zone
Meet in the Discovery Zone
Nick Baker
Birding Walks
Nature Walks
Join ZEISS Nature Ambassadors for exciting and informative nature and birding walks during the weekend.
Meeting point for these activities is the Discovery Zone
No booking required but please arrive in good time!
To look at the Zeiss range of products
Visit the Zeiss stand in Falcon F1
You can buy Zeiss Optical gear at Viking O
Join ZEISS Nature Ambassadors for exciting and informative nature and birding walks during the weekend.
Meeting point for these activities is the Discovery Zone
No booking required but please arrive in good time!
To look at the Zeiss range of products
Visit the Zeiss stand in Falcon F1
You can buy Zeiss Optical gear at Viking Optical in Falcon F2 - next to the Zeiss stand
Nick is also hosting the Moth Session in Owl Workshop on Sunday morning at 10.00 am
Birding Walks
Birding Walks
Birding Walks
Mark Pearson and ZEISS’s very own Toby Carter will lead birding walks at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, for a chance to ask questions as well as to try out a range of ZEISS binoculars and thermal products out in the field.
Meet in the Discovery Zone
BirdLife International Flyways Passport
BirdLife International S56,57
Want to travel around Global Birdfair on your own flyway?
Check out the BirdLife International stand in Swallow S56,57 to get your Flyways Passport and go on a journey to collect stamps from their partners' stands.
Once completed, you will get an exclusive pin badge!
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing Demonstration
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing
Visit our own Global Birdfair Bird Ringing team as they identify and share information about species they find during the event.
Our Bird Ringing Tent is near the left hand end of Falcon Marquee.
This activity has inspired many previous Global Birdfair visitors and volunteers to further their careers in conservation.
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing
Global Birdfair Bird Ringing
Special thanks to Chris Hughes, our Global Birdfair volunteer and RIC (Ringer In Charge) during the event.
Chris co-ordinates the GBF Volunteer Bird Ringing Team which includes Trainee ringers - some of whom are now "fully fledged" as well as more experienced ringers.
Watch out for Chris' fantastic article in the Global Birdfair 2025 programme which you can pre-order when you buy your ticket
Nature Walks and Digiscoping with Kowa
Nature Walks with David Lindo
Meet David Lindo naturalist and conservationist aka "The Urban Birder" at the Kowa Stand, F5 in Falcon Marquee at 10:00am on Friday 11 July
11:00am on Saturday 12 July. - after David's presentation in Osprey Events and
10:00 am on Sunday 13 July
Booking not needed - please arrive in good time on the Kowa Stand
Test out some Iowa gear and enj
Meet David Lindo naturalist and conservationist aka "The Urban Birder" at the Kowa Stand, F5 in Falcon Marquee at 10:00am on Friday 11 July
11:00am on Saturday 12 July. - after David's presentation in Osprey Events and
10:00 am on Sunday 13 July
Booking not needed - please arrive in good time on the Kowa Stand
Test out some Iowa gear and enjoy a guided walk -keep looking up and you might see an Osprey!
Digiscoping Walk with Jeff Bouton & Kowa Ambassadors
Whether you're just starting out or already an experienced digiscoper, this is your chance to dive deeper into the world of smartphone digiscoping with expert guidance
Meet at the Kowa Stand F5 in Falcon Marquee at 10.00am on Saturday 12 July.
Booking not needed - please arrive on the Kowa Stand in good time
Led by Jeff Bouton and joined by
Whether you're just starting out or already an experienced digiscoper, this is your chance to dive deeper into the world of smartphone digiscoping with expert guidance
Meet at the Kowa Stand F5 in Falcon Marquee at 10.00am on Saturday 12 July.
Booking not needed - please arrive on the Kowa Stand in good time
Led by Jeff Bouton and joined by a team of seasoned Kowa digiscoping ambassadors, we’ll cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques.
Got gear that's giving you grief? Bring it along—we’ll help you get it working the way it should. Thinking about starting your smartphone digiscoping journey? We'll have demo gear available so you can try your hand, or if you just want to improve your skills - our team will give you expert guidance and handy tips – Just bring your smartphone.
And of course, the beautiful surroundings of Global Birdfair provide the perfect opportunity to spot and photograph some wonderful bird species along the way. Don't miss this fun, free, and educational experience with the Kowa team!
Kowa - F5 Falcon Optics Marquee
Kowa - F5 Falcon Optics Marquee
After trying out the best Kowa Optics gear for your needs and you wish to buy, you will be purchasing them at the Viking Optical stand, F2 in Falcon Marquee.
Viking Optical, Global Birdfair's Main Optical Sponsor, donates proceeds from their sales at Global Birdfair to our Conservation Project for BirdLife International. So any purchases y
After trying out the best Kowa Optics gear for your needs and you wish to buy, you will be purchasing them at the Viking Optical stand, F2 in Falcon Marquee.
Viking Optical, Global Birdfair's Main Optical Sponsor, donates proceeds from their sales at Global Birdfair to our Conservation Project for BirdLife International. So any purchases you make at Viking Optical help support "Safeguarding Ocean Species"
Watch out for workshops and talks by Jeff Bouton from Kowa US and Kowa Ambassador Paul Hackett, the expert digiscopers!
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
Meet Nick Acheson, naturalist and conservationist aka "The Marsh Tit" at the Viking Optical Stand, F2 in Falcon Marquee at 11:00am on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July.
No need to book, just turn up in good time!
Test out some Viking gear and enjoy a guided walk - you might also hear about The Meaning of Geese!
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
Nature Walks with Nick Acheson
You'll find a fantastic range of optics equipment and great advice at the Viking Optical stand, F2 in Falcon Marquee.
Viking Optical, Global Birdfair's Main Optical Sponsor, donates proceeds from their sales at Global Birdfair to our Conservation Project for BirdLife International. So any purchases you make at Viking Optical help support "Safeguarding Ocean Species"
Osprey Cruises on Rutland Water - BOOK NOW!
Hosted by Dr Tim Mackrill
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening searching for fishing ospreys aboard the Rutland Belle with Dr. Tim Mackrill, a leading expert on ospreys and their reintroduction in the UK. Tim will discuss the science and stories behind the success of this iconic species, sharing insights about their migrati
Hosted by Dr Tim Mackrill
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening searching for fishing ospreys aboard the Rutland Belle with Dr. Tim Mackrill, a leading expert on ospreys and their reintroduction in the UK. Tim will discuss the science and stories behind the success of this iconic species, sharing insights about their migration across the planet and the unifying power of ospreys in achieving conservation goals. As a true champion of the species, there is no better guide to help you observe ospreys in their breeding habitat or to recount the remarkable story of their return to England after a 200-year absence.
Setting sail from Whitwell Harbour aboard the Rutland Belle, you’ll spend an hour and a half enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Rutland Water and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see a fishing osprey, we are confident that your chances are high, as we will navigate to areas of the reservoir where ospreys are frequently seen flying by or catching fish.
DON'T FORGET YOUR BINOCULARS
Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment!
Cruise Details:
The Rutland Belle departs from Whitwell Harbour on the North Shore of Rutland Water. To reach the harbour, please travel to Whitwell Car Park (LE15 8BL) and park in the area to the left as you enter. Follow the road all the way down to the Harbour Bar Café. All parking
Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment!
Cruise Details:
The Rutland Belle departs from Whitwell Harbour on the North Shore of Rutland Water. To reach the harbour, please travel to Whitwell Car Park (LE15 8BL) and park in the area to the left as you enter. Follow the road all the way down to the Harbour Bar Café. All parking costs at Whitwell are included with your cruise booking; we will provide tickets on the cruise that you can use at the exit barrier of the car park. The Rutland Belle is wheelchair accessible, and there is a vehicle drop-off area next to the pier. Light refreshments are available for purchase at the boat’s fully licensed bar, and there is also a toilet on board. It can get chilly on the water, so be sure to bring extra layers.
Have your say! Birdwatching & Bird Conservation Survey
Invitation to take part in a study on Birdwatching and Bird Conservation
Birdwatchers are an important group of people, showing interest in nature and potentially contributing to bird conservation.
A team of researchers from the UK, Poland, and Finland are running an international survey, investigating the connection between birdwatching and bird conservation.
Can you please take part in this study?
Apart from contributing to a better understanding of birdwatching and birdwatchers, participating in this study offers opportunities for self-reflection about your own birdwatching experience, which we hope you will find interesting.
To take part in the study, just follow the link below or scan the QR code:
