An Introduction to Birds and Birdwatching, Henfield (100337035)

Tutor: Mike Russell

With its mosaic of habitats, ranging from wetlands to heathland and saline lagoons to native forest, Sussex plays host to a fantastic array of birdlife.

This popular course is for anyone who wants to learn all about local birds and birdwatching. With twenty sessions, spanning five months, Mike Russell will take you through the seasons, covering topics on winter birds, spring migration and into early summer and the start of the nesting season.

The course is taught through a mixture of classroom sessions and field trips at weekends and, as spring progresses, in the evening as well.

Tues Feb 17th Introduction to Course

Tues Feb 24h Techniques in Identification

Sat Feb 28th Field Trip to Pulborough Brooks

Tues Mar 3rd Habitats of Sussex

Tues Mar 10th How Birds are doing in the UK

Sat March 14th Field Trip Newhaven

Tues March 31st Garden Birds

Tues April 7th Migration

Sat April 11th Field Trip Henfield

Tues April 14th Birdsong (1)

Sat April 18th Field Trip Seaford Head

Tues April 28th Birdsong (2)

Sat May 2nd Field Trip Woodland

Sat May 23rd Field Trip to Pagham Harbour

Tues May 26th Course Summary/Local Walk

Tues June 9th Field Trip to Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest

This course is suitable for beginners and those with a little knowledge.

The two hour classroom sessions are on Tuesday evenings starting at 19:00, except the final session which starts at 18:00, and are based at Woods Mill Nature Reserve, Henfield, BN5 9SD.

Most Saturday sessions start at 09:30 and are either 2 or 4 hours in length. Specific times to follow.

Mike has spent 30 years sharing his passion and knowledge for birds at Sussex Wildlife Trust. Now retired, he continues to lead wildlife events, both in the UK and abroad, and finds nothing more rewarding than inspiring people to learn more about the wonderful landscapes and wildlife of Sussex.

What to bring:

For Indoor sessions: notebook, pen/pencil, field guide (to be discussed at first meeting)

For field trips: binoculars, suitable clothing and footwear for time of year, drinks and snacks, (other specific items will be identified during the course)

Other information: Tea/coffee provided for indoor meetings

Toilet facilities can be found in the car park.

Free parking available at Woods Mill. Car parking charges may apply at some sites

Entrance fee required for non-RSPB members on first field trip.

Accessibility: Generally, you need to be able to comfortably walk for up to 3-4 hours. Information and requirements on site conditions will be provided prior to each meeting, but there will be occasional stiles, uneven ground, moderate slopes and they will vary according to weather conditions at the time. If you would like to discuss any adaptations that will make your time with us more comfortable, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk and we will be in touch.

Public transport: There is no public transport available at this time in the evening.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend an adult course or event.

As a thank you to our members, for supporting our vital conservation work across Sussex, we offer a discounted price on most of our courses. Join Sussex Wildlife Trust today.

The tutor reserves the right to alter the location of the field trips due to changes in any circumstances prevailing at the time. Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

(Price inclusive of Eventbrite booking fee)

Photo: © Hugh Clark FRPS