Birds and Wildlife, East Berks Local RSPB Group

A Warm Welcome from the East Berks Local RSPB Group.  We are an active, lively and friendly local group that promotes the RSPB's objectives. Our local area is twelve miles radius centred on Maidenhead. This Thames Valley area covers parts of South Bucks and East Berks, with towns including Beaconsfield, Farnham, Henley, High Wycombe, Marlow, Slough, Twyford, Windsor and Wooburn Green. With around 150 members, we support local conservation issues while also aiming to enjoy ourselves.

We hold frequent bird spotting walks, between September and June. Spend a weekday morning with us, exploring a local birding hot spot such as Dinton Pastures for waterfowl, Burnham Beeches for woodland birds, the Jubilee River and Dorney Wetlands for Hobby and Skylark, or Aston Rowant for Red Kites. While bird watching is our main focus, we also watch out for other wildlife such as deer, butterflies, weasels, moths and even plants and fungi.  Our outings are suitable for everyone, whether you are an experienced birder or just starting an interest in wildlife. Weekend morning walks are similar to the weekday walks, while full-day walks offer a change from Berkshire birds and visit more distant destinations such as Keyhaven, Pulborough, Pagham and Blashford Lakes.

We run weekend coach day-trips that go to important UK nature reserves such as Minsmere, Radipole, Titchwell, Arne, Portland Bill and Rutland Water to see such spectacular sights as bird migration or thousands of wintering waterfowl.  Coach trips depart from Braywick Park (Braywick Sports Ground), Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1BN, where there is free parking.  Bring binoculars to get closer to the birds, bring a camera to record all the wildlife, and bring your family - all welcome.

We organise monthly Indoor talks, at the Methodist Church Hall, King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1EA.  Join us at a Thursday evening talk and marvel at the birds of the Antarctic, of Canada, Cyprus, Sri Lanka and even England....  and marvel at the difficulties overcome by our intrepid presenters, birdwatching in such far flung places.  News, tea, biscuits and social chat always included.  Not sure what to put in your garden bird feeders? Need some advice on which bird guide book to buy? Heard a strange bird call?  What bird built that nest in your ivy? Come to a meeting and ask around.

All our events are open to all, particularly beginners and those new to our Thames Valley area. You are assured of a warm welcome and don't have to be a member - come along and we will open up a world of bird experiences to you.

We are available to give illustrated talks to local groups and schools. Advice is also available on conservation issues together with nest box construction and installation. Just call Mike Huddy on 01844 690571 for a preliminary discussion. Proceeds go to the RSPB.

Our website contains many of our photographs taken in local gardens, on our trips within England - and beyond. It also lists our future talks, walks and field trips and reports of past events. We also have a general news area.

We would be delighted to see you at one of our events. So don't hesitate, meet our friendly group soon and do something different in 2014.