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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://dbwps.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for DBWPS
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260823T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260823T120000
DTSTAMP:20260806T210113Z
CREATED:20260806T205843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T210113Z
UID:1233-1787475600-1787486400@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Stinchcombe Hill
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Mike Tranter\nTime: 9.00am – 12.00pm (2½ – 3 hours) Meet: Car park on Stinchcombe Hill\, grid ref ST7443 9837 what3words: ///beards.opposing.unwound \nAbout the walk\nA gentle Sunday morning walk\, taking two and a half to three hours to circle the hill\, led by Mike Tranter. \nStinchcombe Hill affords great views out from the Cotswold escarpment\, and this high\, open area is ideal for Skylark\, Buzzard and Red Kite\, as well as woodland birds along the edges. The uncut grassland is good for wildflowers and butterflies\, so there should be plenty to see beyond the birds. \nWe will be walking along footpaths and tracks that form part of the Cotswold Way. It is reasonable walking underfoot\, though there could be a few muddy patches if the weather breaks before then. \nGetting there\nAt the mini-roundabout as you enter Dursley town centre from the Community Centre and Gloucester direction\, turn right into May Lane. Continue on this road past the bus stop and the Old Spot pub to the top of the hill. Turn right and drive through the golf course to a car park on the left. \nBefore you come\nIf the trip is in doubt due to bad weather or unexpected circumstances\, or has to be cancelled\, we will try to contact everyone by phone or via the WhatsApp group. \n  \nNoel Reynolds\, CC BY 2.0\, Red Kite\, via Wikimedia Commons
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/stinchcombe-hill/
LOCATION:Stinchcombe Hill\, Dursley\, MJMH+78 Dursley
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Milvus_milvus_Jura-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260712T083000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260712T113000
DTSTAMP:20260708T171042Z
CREATED:20260708T143003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T171042Z
UID:1207-1783845000-1783855800@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Frampton in Summer
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Nick Goatman\n\n  \nOur popular seasonal visits to Frampton continue with a summer exploration of one of Gloucestershire’s most productive local birding sites. We’re fortunate once again to be joined by local patch expert Nick Goatman\, who has spent more than two decades birding Frampton and knows every corner of this remarkable area. Nick has recorded over 200 species here and always seems capable of finding something unexpected. \nBy mid-summer\, the birding is very different from our spring visit. Many species will have successfully fledged young\, and we’ll have the opportunity to observe family groups feeding along the hedgerows\, reedbeds and lake margins. Frampton’s varied habitats – including its lakes\, reedbeds\, farmland and mature hedgerows – provide excellent opportunities to encounter a wide range of species during the morning. \nPotential highlights include: \n\nSpotted Flycatcher\nReed Warbler\nSedge Warbler\nWhitethroat\nLesser Whitethroat\nCetti’s Warbler\nHobby\nGreen Woodpecker\nKingfisher\nGrey Heron\nLittle Egret\n\nDerek Keats from Johannesburg\, South Africa\, CC BY 2.0\, via Wikimedia Commons\nSummer is also an excellent time to enjoy the wider wildlife spectacle. The reserve is often alive with dragonflies and damselflies\, while butterflies such as Marbled White\, Gatekeeper and Brown Argus can be abundant. Wildflowers should be at their peak\, adding plenty of colour to the walk. \nWe’ll meet in the small car park at the bottom end of The Green on the track leading towards the sailing lake at 8:30am. The walk is largely flat\, with good paths throughout\, making it suitable for all abilities. We expect to be out for approximately three hours
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/frampton-in-summer/
LOCATION:Frampton on Severn\, Watery Ln\, The Green\, Frampton on Severn\, GL2 7DZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Spotted_flycatcher_Muscicapa_striata_at_Marakele_National_Park_Limpopo_South_Africa_16318446652.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260620T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260620T173000
DTSTAMP:20260531T205605Z
CREATED:20260531T203825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260531T205605Z
UID:1191-1781949600-1781976600@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Martin Down and Salisbury Plain
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Simon Ashley\nMartin Down National Nature Reserve:\nOffers some of the finest chalk downland birding in southern England. June is prime time\, with breeding species in full song and the landscape alive with wildflowers. \nBirds to watch for: \n\nTurtle Dove – Sadly a bird in massive decline it’s estimated that the UK has lost 99% of it’s population since the 1960’s.  There are encouraging signs in Europe in revent years numbers have risen.  There’s an extensive feeding porgramme for them in the UK.  With any luck we might hear and see one on our visit.\nCorn Bunting — Look for males delivering their jangling\, key-rattling song from fence posts and tall stems\nSkylark — Constant song-flights overhead across the open grassland\nYellowhammer — “Little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese” ringing from scrubby edges\nLinnet — Flocks moving between seed heads\nStonechat — Perching prominently on gorse and scrub\nRed Kite and Buzzard — Soaring over the downs\nWhitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat — Active in hedgerows\n\nInsects and plants: \nCharles J. Sharp\, CC BY-SA 4.0\, Turtle Dove via Wikimedia Commons\nThe Adonis Blue butterfly is a real highlight — its electric-blue males fly low over the turf in warm sunshine.  We should also find Chalkhill Blues\, Marbled White\, and Dark Green Fritillaries. \nFor flowers\, the Burnt-tip Orchid is a specialty here\, alongside Fragrant Orchid\, Pyramidal Orchid\, Horseshoe Vetch (the Adonis Blue’s larval foodplant)\, and drifts of yellow Kidney Vetch. \nThe walk is in two parts – We’ll start at the High carpark and then move to the Lower carpark.  Both the walks we’ll do will be relatively flat and short. \nPart 2: Salisbury Plain\nA special treat on the way home will be a short driving loop of one of the none- shooty areas of Salisbury Plain\, chief target bird here is the Great Bustard – the worlds heaviest flying bird. They are trully as sight to see.  The recent re-introduction of these birds in a safe environment – means we’ve got an excellent chance of seeing them.  We’ll also keep an eyeout for some Plain specialites like Whinchat and Tree pipit.  Should be fun. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe’ll leave Stroud 8:00am – to arrive at Matin Down around 10:00am
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/martin-down-and-salisbury-plain/
LOCATION:Martin Down\, Salisbury\, X3J2+6F
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Turtle_dove_Streptopelia_turtur_turtur_Hungary.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260517T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260517T133000
DTSTAMP:20260427T203339Z
CREATED:20260427T203339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T203339Z
UID:1165-1779012000-1779024600@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Clifton Pits & Croome
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Jeanne Vitkowski\nA new site for our club – or certainly one we haven’t visited for a very long time!  Clifton Pits in Worcestershire\, England\, is a birdwatching hotspot located off the A38 south of Kempsey\, known for its main pit and surrounding smaller pits. \nIt is a noted birding location\, featuring species like Egyptian Geese\, Whimbrel\, Wood Sandpiper\, and Goosander.  I’ve personally visited Clifton Pits 3 times and have seen Black Tern\, Long-tailed Duck\, and two Lesser Scaup.  So it’s a bit of a magnet for rarer birds.   The walking is across fields and paths; it can be a bit muddy\, so walking boots are recommended.  There are a variety of habitats\,  farmland\, hedgerows in addition to the pits themselves. \nIf time and enthusiasm allow\, there may be an opportunity to visit nearby Croome\, a National Trust property with a breeding population of Nightingales\, which are becoming increasingly difficult to see in Gloucestershire. \nFor Clifton Pits access is via public footpaths\, with parking available near the gate. Use  What three word location:  ///exactly.disgraced.gloves \nAndreas Trepte\, CC BY-SA 2.5\, via Wikimedia Commons\n 
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/clifton-pits-croome/
LOCATION:Clifton Pits\, Upper Clifton Farm Yard\,\, Severn Stoke\, Worcester\, WR8 9JF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Yellow_wagtail.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260426T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260426T123000
DTSTAMP:20260421T192629Z
CREATED:20260331T201921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T192629Z
UID:1135-1777194000-1777206600@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Coombe Hill Meadows
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Mike Smart\nCoombe Hill Meadows\, managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust\, is a prime wetland habitat that attracts a diverse range of bird species. Our visit in April means many of the migrants are fresh in and will be trying to establish their nesting territories. Here’s what we  can expect to see: \n\nCurlew\nBlack-tailed Godwit – Often spotted in the meadows during spring migration\nRuff – These medium-sized wading birds pass through during spring migration\nGreat White Egret\, Little Egret – These impressive white herons have become increasingly common visitors\nGarganey – This scarce summer visitor duck may be seen in late April as they arrive for the breeding season\nNorthern Pintail – These elegant ducks can be observed in the wetland areas\nGreylag Goose – Common resident at Coombe Hill throughout spring\nSedge Warbler\, Common Whitethroat\, Lesser Whitethroat – These summer migrants arrive in April and can be heard singing from hedgerow that line the canal\nCuckoo – Late April marks the arrival of these iconic summer visitors\nRedstart – These attractive migrants pass through in spring\nBullfinch – Resident birds that can be spotted in hedgerows and woodland edges\nTreecreeper – These small woodland birds can be found in wooded areas near the meadows\nBuzzard\, Marsh Harrier– Commonly seen soaring over the meadows\n\nConservation Focus\nCoombe Hill Meadows is particularly important for warblers\, waders\, and wildfowl\, with habitat improvement works benefiting 26 species across these groups. Seven of these species are of conservation concern\, making late April an excellent time to observe both resident birds and spring migrants. \, \nLogistics\nThis will be a car sharing trip aiming to arrive on site around 9:30 am\, we’ll use our WhatsApp group to coordinate sharing. It’s a flat walk on well-made paths\, though it can get muddy.  The walk should last around 3 hours. \nRon Knight\, CC BY 2.0\, via Wikimedia Commons
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/coombe-hill-meadows/
LOCATION:Coombe Hill Meadows\, The Wharf\, Coombe Hill\, Glos\, GL19 4BA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lesser_Whitethroat.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260412T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260412T130000
DTSTAMP:20260330T204128Z
CREATED:20260330T203639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T204128Z
UID:1129-1775988000-1775998800@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Operation Ring Ouzel - Cleeve Hill Common
DESCRIPTION:Leader – Simon Ashley\nOur primary target will be the elusive Ring Ouzel – these relatives of our more common blackbird\, with their distinctive white crescent breasts\, habitually make a pit stop en route to areas like Snowdonia and higher mountainous regions. Their appearance here is all too brief\, and the middle two weeks of April are normally the most productive. \nThe common is a large area\, and we hope to see several other bird species during our visit. Wheatear is another passage migrant\, with its characteristic white rump\, which we should spot as it returns from African wintering grounds. \nAdditional Species to Expect:\n\nWillow Warblers\, summer visitors that nest on the common. We’ll listen for their distinctive descending song\nLinnets and Stonechats flitting between gorse bushes\nMajestic Red Kites and Buzzards soaring overhead\n\nPossible Rarer Sightings:\n\nCuckoo – on one previous occasion we had a stunning four cuckoos\nThe rare passage migrant Dotterel\nThe scarce Dartford Warbler with its distinctive long tail – reported for the past two years\n\nKey Locations:\nWe’ll explore the productive Heather Enclosure and pause at the Drinking Pool.  We’ll meet at the Cleeve Masts Carpark. The area is largely flat with gentle slopes; please wear appropriate footwear and bring your enthusiasm! \nFrank Vassen from Brussels\, Belgium\, CC BY 2.0\, via Wikimedia Commons
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/operation-ring-ouzel-cleeve-hill-common/
LOCATION:Cleeve Hill Common\, Southam\, Cheltenham\, GL52 3NF
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Alpine_Ring_Ouzel_Turdus_torquatus_Karwendel_mountains_Austria_5756291760-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260329T070000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260329T180000
DTSTAMP:20260222T220750Z
CREATED:20260222T215223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T220750Z
UID:1077-1774767600-1774807200@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Portland Bill - First Spring Migrants
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Simon Ashley\nPurple Sandpiper\nAn Early start\, but it should be worth it. We’ll head straight down to the southerly promontory – We will be sea watching looking out for early migrants. \nPortland Bill is a prime location for birdwatching due to its strategic position on migration routes. The topography of the area concentrates offshore seabird passage. The west side of the Bill consists primarily of sea cliffs which provide excellent vantage points for seawatching\, especially during spring and autumn migration periods. The Portland Bird Observatory regularly records migrant species\, with numbers varying according to weather conditions and season. Spring migrants typically begin arriving from March onwards\, \nBirds we hope to see:\nSeabirds\n\nFulmar\nKittiwake\nMediterranean Gull\nCommon Gull\nGannet\nManx Shearwater\nGuillemot\nRazorbill\nShag\nCormorant\n\nWaders\n\nPurple Sandpiper\nDunlin\nWhimbrel\nGrey Plover\nSanderling\nOystercatcher\nRinged Plover\nTurnstone\nCurlew\nRedshank\nCommon Sandpiper\n\nEarly Migrants\n\nChiffchaff\nWillow Warbler\nBlackcap\nWheatear\nSwallow\nHouse Martin\nSand Martin\nYellow Wagtail\nWhite Wagtail\n\nResident and Other Birds\n\nLittle Owl\nEurasian Skylark\nEurasian Kestrel\nEuropean Stonechat\nGoldcrest\nSong Thrush\nBlackbird\nRobin\nDunnock\nWren\nRock Pipit\nMeadow Pipit\nLinnet\nGoldfinch\n\nOffshore Passage Birds\n\nCommon Scoter\nRed-throated Diver\nGreat Northern Diver\nArctic Skua\nGreat Skua\nSandwich Tern\nCommon Tern\nArctic Tern\n\nWe’ll also visit the estuary scrapes at Ferry Bridge and finish off with a visit to Lodmoor or Radipole Lake. \nWe plan to return by about 6:00 pm. \nNorthern Wheatear Frank Vassen from Brussels\, Belgium\, CC BY 2.0\, via Wikimedia Commons\n  \n 
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/portland-bill-first-spring-migrants/
LOCATION:Portland Bill\, Portland Bill Lighthouse\, Bill\, Portland\, Dorset\, DT5 2JT
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Northern_Wheatear_Oenanthe_oenanthe_Uitkerkse_Polders_Belgium_71730000041-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260308T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260308T123000
DTSTAMP:20260223T192049Z
CREATED:20260120T220003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T192049Z
UID:1043-1772962200-1772973000@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:River Frome: Dippers\, Kingfishers\, and Otters!
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Simon Ashley\nAn early spring walk along the River Frome in Stroud. As winter recedes\, the local birdlife becomes more active\, offering a perfect opportunity to witness some of our most charismatic river and woodland species. This flat\, accessible walk takes us through a variety of rich habitats\, each with its own special residents. \nOur journey will follow a well-made path that showcases a woodland stream\, a historic canal\, and an old mill pond\, ensuring a diversity of sightings. \nTarget Species & Habitats \n\nThe Frome: The highlight for me will be the fast-flowing woodland stream\, the perfect habitat for the Dipper. We have an excellent chance of seeing this unique bird\, which is here year-round. This is one of the key sites on the Dipper Project we heard about recently.\nCanal: The adjacent canal offers a different\, calmer environment. We’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for a flash of electric blue as the resident Kingfisher patrols its territory. This is also a prime spot for the ever-charming Grey Wagtail\, and we may even be lucky enough to find a secretive Water Rail that have overwintered.\nMill Pond: The old mill pond is a magnet for waterfowl. We’ll be looking for the stunningly ornate Mandarin Duck\, along with Little Grebe and Little Egrets.\nWoodland: As we walk\, we’ll be listening for the high-pitched calls of Goldcrests and Treecreepers\, and we’ll scan the alders for flocks of  Siskin and Redwing.\n\nA Bonus Encounter! \nThis stretch of the Frome is home to a resident Otter family! While they are elusive\, they are occasionally seen\, so we will be keeping our eyes peeled for any signs of their presence. \nTrip Details \n\nMeeting Time: 9:30 AM\nMeeting Point: By Travis Perkins at Wallbridge\, Stroud.\nTerrain: The walk is mostly flat on good paths\, with one short section along the river that may be muddy\, so please wear appropriate footwear.\nLunch (Optional): After our walk\, we have the fantastic option to head to the nearby Stroud Brewery for a well-earned lunch and refreshments.
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/river-frome-dippers-kingfishers-and-otters/
LOCATION:River Frome\, Wallbridge\, Stroud\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dbwps.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cinclus_cinclus_bronwen_y_dwr-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260222T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260222T130000
DTSTAMP:20260120T221212Z
CREATED:20260120T221212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T221212Z
UID:1050-1771752600-1771765200@dbwps.org
SUMMARY:Oldbury on Severn
DESCRIPTION:Leader: Dot Jones\nWith its hulking frame of a decommissioned nuclear power station\, it may not sound like the best place for a birdwatching trip\, but appearances can be deceptive.  Its location on the banks of the Severn estuary and the return of parts of the site to nature make it a great place to visit. \nIn February\, you can expect to see a variety of bird species. \n\nWaders and Waterfowl: The expansive mudflats exposed at low tide are a major draw for many species. Look for Shelduck\, Redshank\, and Lapwing\, which are often seen on the reserve. Little Grebe can also be found here.\nRaptors: The pylons and the old reactor towers are excellent vantage points for spotting birds of prey. Peregrine Falcons are known to use these structures. We might also be lucky enough to see Goshawks\, Red Kites\, and other raptors in the area. Ravens are also a common sight around the pylons.\nOther Species: Over 100 species of birds have been recorded at the site\, a regular visitor in the winter is the Black Redstart\, often spotted amongst the abandoned buildings.  And you never know – a couple of years ago\, an Alpine swift used the cooling towers as a roosting spot for 3 days.\n\nThis will be a self-drive/lift-share – logistics via our WhatsApp group.  Arrive on site at 9:30am \nA flat walk\, paths can be muddy at this time of year – so stout boots\, waterproofs and warm clothing are a must.
URL:https://dbwps.org/event/oldbury-on-severn/
LOCATION:Oldbury on Severn\, Oldbury Naite\, Oldbury-on-Severn\, Bristol\, BS35 1RQ
CATEGORIES:Field Trip
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