Details of meetings, including a comprehensive programme of mid-week meetings, can be found in Bird News, (the club’s monthly publication for members)
W/E meetings start at 09:30 and on Tuesdays at 10:00, unless otherwise stated.
Please note the revised Safeguarding Policy
Indoor meetings.
The Club’s indoor meetings will be held at the Newman Hall, 28 Grange Court Road, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4DR. 7:30 start
Thursday 17 September – ‘Wildlife of the Avalon Marshes’ by Alison Uren.
In this talk Alison is celebrating the wonderful wildlife that thrives on the nature reserves in the heart of Somerset, with many of the photos by locally knowledgeable photographers. She volunteers at RSPB Ham Wall which is the basis for her recently published book which she will offer the BOC at a discounted price of £20 (all profits to RSPB).
Thursday 22 October – ‘Colorado Grouse Leks and other US species’ by Keith Williams.
Keith will take you on an exhausting tour of Colorado and into a few neighbouring states as well. Not only will you see the fabulous grouse leks in close up, but also the magnificent scenery, many other birds and some of the 31 mammals from a two-week trip in April 2025.
Field Meetings.
Tuesday 25 August Wavering Down/Kings Wood Leader: Clive Burton
Meet at the National Trust car park at King’s Wood which is off the A38 to the right going south, immediately after a filling station about a mile after the traffic lights at Winscombe/Sidcot. Car share if possible as parking is limited. The walk is through King’s Wood and onto limestone grassland and scrub on the Mendip Hills, returning through Kings Wood. Some hills and may be muddy in places.
Saturday 29 Aug – Sodbury Common Leader: Mike Jackson
We will meet at 09:00 on Hatters Lane, at the edge of Chipping Sodbury, where roadside parking is permitted (next to the allotments). The A432 bridge over the M4 has reopened which may help those who live in south Bristol. We will mainly be looking for returning summer migrants and resident passerines on the common, which is rated as a rarity hotspot. It is uneven underfoot with possible standing water after heavy rainfall. Cattle are likely to be freeroaming, we will look for Yellow Wagtails. There are no stiles or gateways to negotiate.
Tuesday 01 September – Marshfield Leader: Chris Perry
Meet at Marshfield on the A420. Park in the lay-by on the south side of the Marshfield bypass near Tanners Walk. The specialities of this area are Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer with the possibility of Grey Partridge and Quail.
Tuesday 08 September – Bitton/Willsbridge Mill Leader: Celia Mosley
Meet at the Avon Valley Railway where there is plenty of parking and a lovely café where we can gather after this beautiful walk which takes in the Willsbridge Mill valley where plenty of bird life is usually seen.
Sunday 13 Sept – Newport Wetlands Leader: Peter Bryant
Meet at RSPB car park at 09:30. Note that there is now a £5 charge for the RSPB car park for non-members so if you are a member, bring your RSPB card and consider car sharing. We will look out for Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s Warbler as well as arriving winter raptors and passerines. Wildfowl and waders should be in good numbers on the Severn Estuary. Directions: Take the M4 over the Prince of Wales bridge towards Newport to junction 23a and take the A4810. After three roundabouts this long straight road continues past industrial estates and new housing developments. Eventually the dual carriageway curves first right then left. Go straight through the next small roundabout and at the second, larger roundabout follow the RSPB sign onto the West Nash Road. Keep on this road for about one and a half miles. Watch for a brown coloured reserve sign on the left indicating the almost immediate right turn into Nash village. Keep on through the village with the power station in full view. The RSPB car park is on the left-hand side. There are brown duck signs at the various junctions but they can easily be missed. After lunching at the RSPB cafe, or the picnic area if you prefer, there is an optional extension to Goldcliff Lagoons in the afternoon (finish around 15:00)
Tuesday 15 September – Uphill/Walborough AWT Leader: Colin Hawkins
Park on Links Road or Thornbury Road which is first right after the Uphill Boatyard entrance heading towards the beach. Meet on the beach at Uphill and bring a telescope if possible. We will spend some time watching from the beach (where the River Axe enters the Bristol Channel, sheltered by Brean Down) so ensure you have correct clothing. Following this we will have a short walk over the hill to the Bleadon Levels. There will be more watching than walking and we can drop telescopes off in cars after the beach watch. There may be a parking charge
Tuesday 22 September – Pensford Leader: Mike Landen
Meet at the Pensford Memorial Hall Car Park, Publow Lane, Pensford. A walk through fields, woodland, and
riverside habitats with some hills, stiles, and muddy in places.
Tuesday 29 September – Tickenham/Cadbury Camp Leader: Robin Martin
Meet at the Church of St. Quiricus and St. Julietta, Church Lane, Tickenham off the B3130 Clevedon Road (left from Bristol, right from Clevedon) for a hilly walk which can be muddy after rain. Parking limited so please car share if possible.