Field Trips

The Club and trip leaders will not be liable for any accidents or injuries caused whilst on Club outings. The places visited are not particularly hazardous. Walks are typically leisurely, with frequent stops to watch or look for birds. However, some may be over rough ground, so please ensure that you are suitably clad and shod and be aware of any physical limitations you may have.

Stay with or near the group. Never turn back without informing another member of the group.

As with all outside trips these are subject to the weather so, please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and WhatsApp group in the days leading up to any event.
The club runs a WhatsApp group for members who are interested in Field Trips, or members can be contacted by text for any change.

Please consider the environment when attending outings by ensuring you bring all rubbish home, close gates, etc. Wherever possible try to car share when you can to help reduce carbon footprint.

Field Trips for 2026

17th January – 8.00am Heysham and Sunderland Point
Start the year with a trip primarily for waders making use of the tide.  Meet at (///dignitary.boating.pocket) at a pull in prior to the Ocean Edge Holiday park on Moneyclose lane Heysham LA3 2XA.  High tide is around 10.20 am.  We will walk the perimeter of the power station on the concrete path overlooking the outfalls to the harbour.  As the tide falls we will then drive the 15 minutes to Sunderland point (///dialects.campers.conspired) via Overton on the tidal road.  Here will walk around the peninsula.
Target species Waders and Gulls
Boots recommended
21st February – 8.30am  Wombwell Ings & RSPB Old Moor
Meet Broomhall Recreation Ground, The Pavilion, Park Recreation Ground, Broomhall Lane, S73 0YQ  (///gentlemen.innocence.gent)
We will then proceed to the main reserve at Dearne Valley / Old Moor, Old Moor Lane Wombwell, Barnsley, Barnsley, S73 0YF  (///imposes.flick.clays)
21st March 8.00am  Parkgate & Burton Marsh
Meet as previously at Station Road, Burton Marsh (///buckling.applies.locker) and walk along the track to the point and/or  Nels Café Denhall Ln, Little Neston, Burton CH64 0TG.  There is a 9.86m at Parkgate at 12.28 am so it is our intention to make our way up to the old Baths car park, or as near as we can , (///pitch.swung.under) mid-morning to see what effect this high tide has on the wildlife.
Target species early migrants, raptors and waders.
Boots recommended
18th April   8.00am  RSPB Fairburn Ings
A day visiting this RSPB reserve, meet at the reserve carpark WF10 2BH (///jazz.survey.crash)
We will walk around the West side of the reserve before coming back to the centre for lunch and then investigate the East side of the reserve.
Target species migrants, Herons and Grebes
Boots recommended
16th & 17th May 6.00am  Weekend Away to RSPB Lochwinoch and Ayrshire
Full details to follow meet Saturday and Sunday staying over near Dumbarton.
Potential sites Loch Doon (osprey), Glen Afton (NS632080) Irvine
2nd June Evening Walk on the moors
In place of the indoor meting and making use of the light nights take a trip onto the moors.  Meet at Gorple reservoir carpark, Widdop Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AZ (///willpower.deserved.croutons)
Boots recommended
22nd August 7.00am   Local walk incorporating Barrowford and Foulridge Reservoirs
Meet at the Barrowford Reservoir Car park Greenfield Road, circa BB8 9QT (///backup.fearfully.slick).  We will walk along the canal from Barrowford to Slipper Hill Reservoir and then Burwains Reservoir before returning to the car park, 3- 4 miles relatively flat. Finish around lunch time
Boots recommended along with rucksack and snack
12th September 8.30am   Hilbre Island
This is subject to final confirmation of tides nearer the day. Anticipated Hightide 12.34 pm at a height of 9.55 m
We plan to stay on the island over high water.  Therefore, it is necessary to reach the island TWO HOURS before high water. We must then stay on the Island until THREE HOURS after high water (i.e.five hours in total) before returning to the mainland.  Approximate time required to walk
from the mainland to Hilbre Island, via Little Eye, is ONE HOUR – from
the starting point at Carpark next to Morrisons Dee Lane, West Kirby, CH48 0QA.  ( ///awake.establish.kitchen)
Target species Waders and Seabirds
Boots / Wellingtons recommended along with drinks and snacks for the day
 
Please note: There are no shops or fresh water on the islands, and very little shelter. There are 2 very basic compositing toilets on the island. Toilets are available at Dee Lane slipway 10am – 6pm or Morrisons
24th October 8.30am  Kilnsea, Spurn Point
Speculative visit to this migration hot spot
Meet Bluebell Carpark Kilnsea HU12 0UB. (///frocks.circulate.atlas.  The days Itinerary subject to local information
Target species Waders, Seabirds, Migrants
Boots / Wellingtons  recommended .  Café and toilets at the discovery centre
28th November 8.30am Llanfairfechan & RSPB Conwy
Target species; Migrant passerines and Divers
Meet Llanfairfechan Promenade Pay & Display Car Park, Llanfairfechan LL33 0DA.  (///ambushed.spurted.positions)
Hightide is at 13.00 and a height 8m.  Arrive on the rising tide to sea watch along the promenade (subject to local information) for Sea ducks, Mergansers and Divers etc. Then travel up to Conwy RSPB Reserve.

PLEASE NOTE

The Club and trip leaders will not be liable for any accidents or injuries caused whilst on Club outings. The places visited are not particularly hazardous. Walks are typically leisurely, with frequent stops to watch or look for birds. However, some may be over rough ground, so please ensure that you are suitably clad and shod and be aware of any
physical limitations you may have. Stay with or near the group. Never turn back without informing another member of the group.

We wish to ensure that all who attend are aware of any potential risks and hazards involved. The most likely ones, and the corresponding advice, are set out below.

Our full Risk Assessment can be found here

RISKADVICE
Any medical or physical condition that may affect your ability to complete the walk safely.Talk to the leader beforehand to find out what is involved. Carry any necessary medication
Rough, uneven, steep, boggy, icy, wet or slippery ground.Wear appropriate footwear and look where you walk. A walking pole or stick may be useful.
Bad weather – cold, windy, wet or hot and sunny.Wear appropriate warm and waterproof clothing. Cover up, wear a hat and apply sun cream.
Getting tired, cold or over-heated.If this happens tell the leader or other group member immediately. Carry food and drink appropriate to the length of the walk.
Getting lost. Unexpected hazards.Stay with or near the group. Do not go on ahead or off on your own. Never turn back without telling the leader.