Events
All events are open to everyone, you do not need to be a member of the RSPB or have any great knowledge of birds or nature. We would nonetheless encourage joining the Oxford Local Group RSPB.
Our events will be subject to any COVID restrictions that are in place at the time. Any changes to the program will be notified to Local Group Members via email and updated on this website.
Talks take place in the Hall at Sandhills School. If this is not possible, due to COVID restrictions, we will endeavour to give the talk over the Internet using Zoom.
All birding trips must be booked in advance with Reg Cox as there may be late changes due to unfavourable weather or lack of numbers. All car trips will meet up at the destination. If individuals feel comfortable about sharing a car with others then this may be possible to arrange.
October 2021
Thu7
Illustrated Talk - Gardening to Encourage Wildlife by Steve Lovell
Location: Sandhills School, Terrett Avenue, Oxford
Postcode: OX3 8FN (Google map)
With 27 years' experience of garden design and more recently as a nature guide, Steve will give us tips and ways to manage our garden in order to make it much more 'user friendly' to all the creatures that call it home.
Time: 7.45pm
Price: Entrance fee £3 (£2 for full time students). FREE to Oxford Local Group members.
Telephone: 01608811568
E-mail: paddygallagher@hotmail.co.uk
Thu21
Car Trip to Tring Reservoirs
Location: Meet on site at 10am. Details given when booking.
A day trip to explore some of the four reservoirs that served the Grand Union canal. It is a good time of the year to look for passage waders along with a selection of wildfowl. There are a total of three hides on site but no other facilities. There is a café close by.
It is essential to book as numbers may be limited and changes may be made at short notice.
Time: Meet on site at 10am. Details given when booking.
Price: Car parking pay and display.
Booking essential
Telephone: 01865761402 07983536790
E-mail: reg.cox@btinternet.com
November 2021
Thu4
Illustrated Talk - Wildlife and Landscapes of Scotland by Philip Mugridge
Location: Sandhills School, Terrett Avenue, Oxford
Postcode: OX3 8FN (Google map)
Philip's biology degree led to a particular interest in birds and then photography. He has now expanded his images to include all types of wildlife and landscapes. Concentrating more on mainland Scotland, this talk shows both the wildlife and landscapes of some favourite locations such as Speyside, Ardnamurchan, Dumfries and Galloway and Sutherland.
Time: 7.45pm
Price: Entrance fee £3 (£2 for full time students). FREE to Oxford Local Group members.
Telephone: 01608811568
E-mail: paddygallagher@hotmail.co.uk
Wed17
Car Trip to Brandon Marsh and Draycote Water, Warwickshire
Location: Meet in the Brandon car park at 10am. More details given when booking.
Postcode: CV3 3GW (Google map)
Brandon Marsh is a mosaic of pools, reed beds, grassland and woodland attracting a variety of birds. It belongs to the Wildlife Trust and has a visitor centre, café, and five hides.
There is a charge for those who do not have a Wildlife Trust card.
After lunch we will visit nearby Draycote Water. We will only explore part of this large reservoir to look for any recent unusual arrivals.
There is a café on site and a small charge for car parking (£3 for 2 hours).
It is essential to book as numbers may be limited and changes may be made at short notice.
Time: Meet in the Brandon car park at 10am. More details given when booking.
Price: Entrance charge of £2.50 at Brandon for non-members of the Wildlife Trust. Parking charge at Draycote.
Booking essential
Telephone: 01865761402 07983536790
E-mail: reg.cox@btinternet.com
December 2021
Thu2
Winter Warmer
Location: Sandhills School, Terrett Avenue, Oxford
Postcode: OX3 8FN (Google map)
A social evening of mixed events including short illustrated talks from group members, a wildlife quiz, FREE festive refreshments and a raffle.
Any donation of mince pies will be most welcome.
Time: 7.45pm
Price: Entrance fee £3 (£2 for full time students). FREE to Oxford Local Group members.
Telephone: 01608811568
E-mail: paddygallagher@hotmail.co.uk
Thu16
Car Trip to Bury Down, Berkshire
Location: Meet on site at 9.30am. Details given when booking.
A morning walk along the Ridgeway Path to look for corn bunting, yellowhammer, stonechat, flocks of winter thrushes and with a little luck over wintering short-eared owls.
There are no facilities on site.
It is essential to book as numbers may be limited and changes may be made at short notice.
Time: Meet on site at 9.30am. Details given when booking.
Price: Free
Booking essential
Telephone: 01865761402 07983536790
E-mail: reg.cox@btinternet.com
January 2022
Thu13
Illustrated Talk - Birds and Wildlife of Bhutan by Richard Baines
Location: Sandhills School, Terrett Avenue, Oxford
Postcode: OX3 8FN (Google map)
Restricted to foreign visitors until recently, Bhutan is a paradise for birders and photographers. There are over 670 bird species with many more yet to be discovered. Richard's talk is based on his recent trip and features a range of speciality birds and culture.
Time: 7.45pm
Price: Entrance fee £3 (£2 for full time students). FREE to Oxford Local Group members.
Telephone: 01608811568
E-mail: paddygallagher@hotmail.co.uk
Sun16
Coach Trip to Slimbridge WWT
Location: Coach leaves the Sports & Leisure Centre, Court Place Farm, Marsh Lane, Marston - just off the Oxford northern by-pass at 8am
Postcode: OX3 0NQ (Google map)
Always a good trip in winter to see a range of wild geese, hundreds of Bewick swans, several raptor species, a good selection of waders and wildfowl, plus a very good chance of common cranes.
There are many hides on site, a large visitor centre and restaurant.
An entrance charge applies for non-members of WWT.
Time: Coach leaves at 8am
Price: Cost of coach about £20 depending on numbers. Plus entrance fee for WWT non-members - about £11 for over 65's
Booking essential
Telephone: 01865761402 07983536790
E-mail: reg.cox@btinternet.com