
Meeting Points: The only reliable means of identifying a location in a rural area is by using an Ordnance Survey map with the relevant grid reference. Most sat nav devices use post codes to identify locations but in rural areas a single post code may cover a large area of countryside. We give the grid references and post codes for all places we go to, but emphasise that Ordnance Survey maps are best for finding the precise meeting points.
Location: Meet at the visitor centre at SN 683963 on map 135.
Leader: Chris Potts
Grade: Easy to moderate
Don't forget your RSPB card.
Postcode: SY20 8TA (Google map)
We shall explore this reserve which has featured on Springwatch.
Time: 10 am
Price: Free
Telephone: 07790 761428
Location: Meet at the 'barrier' on Thewall Lane at SJ 654880 on map 109.
Leader: Alan Patterson
Grade: Easy
Postcode: WA4 1NE (Google map)
We shall be looking for Black-necked Grebes, waterfowl and summer migrants.
Time: 7 pm
Price: Free to Eyes members otherwise £2.00
Booking essential
Telephone: 01925 268017
Location: The Stag Inn, Chester Road, Walton, Warrington
Postcode: WA4 6EG (Google map)
An evening of friendly bowls matches followed by a meal. Tickets available from Ann Edwards.
Time: 6 pm
Price: £11
Booking essential
Location: Meet and park in Ball Lane, Kingsley, grid ref SJ557755. Leader:Tony Parker
This evening walk will involve walking down to Hatton's Hey, a reserve looked after by the Mid-Cheshire Ornithological Society. Depending on time and weather conditions we may explore a little further along the River Weaver.
Time: 7 pm
Price: No charges
Location: Leighton Moss is near Carnforth, at SD477750. The leader will be Chris Potts.
Postcode: LA5 0SW (Google map)
This is a full day visit to this well-known RSPB reserve. We hope to see a bittern but no guarantees! There should be plenty of other birds to see.
Time: 10 am
Price: Free to RSPB members
Telephone: 07790 761428
Location: Meet at 10 am at the new visitor centre at SJ313736 in Puddington Lane.
Postcode: CH64 5SF (Google map)
This our first official visit to the new centre for Burton Mere Wetlands (formerly Inner Marsh Farm). Please note there is no access via the old entrance. The leader is Dave McMaster.
Time: 10 am
Price: Free to RSPB members
Location: Meet at Talacre Beach car park SJ124848 then later at Wepre Park (SJ296685).
Postcode: CH8 9RD (Google map)
The plan is to spend the first half of the day at Talace beach and Point of Ayr, concentrating on sea birds. In the afternoon we'll head for Wepre Park, a new venue for the group. The leader will be Dave McMaster.
Time: 9 am
Price: Possibly car parking charges
Location: Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road, Appleton
Postcode: WA4 5EQ (Google map)
A talk by a prominent local ornithologist.
Time: 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm
Price: Members £2; Non-members £2.50
Telephone: 01925 268770
Location: Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road, Appleton.
Postcode: WA4 5EQ (Google map)
The Annual General Meeting will be followed by refreshments and then the talk by Andrew on what is happening in the North West now and in the future.
Time: 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm
Price: Members £2; Non-members £2.50
Telephone: 01925 268770
Location: Accommodation will be hopefully be in Castle Douglas.
Sites visited could include Caerlaverock WWT and the west coast at Loch Ryan (Stranraer). Please remember to take RSPB and WWT membership cards.
Time: To be announced
Price: £50 non-returnable deposit required to book a place.
Booking essential
Telephone: 01925 726242
Location: The main car park for Carsington Water is about 3 miles north east of Ashbourne at SK241516.
Postcode: DE6 1ST (Google map)
Carsington Water (Derbyshire) is a large reservoir belonging to Severn Trent Water. Meet the leader (John Drake) in the main car park at 10 am. It is possible that we shall travel home via Cromford where there is a site for hawfinches.
Time: 10 am
Price: Car parking £4
Telephone: 01928 561133
Location: Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road, Appleton
Postcode: WA4 5EQ (Google map)
We welcome Stuart back to tell us all about birding in the Ribble Valley, an area he knows well. He will tell us what species can be anticipated and where they may be found.
Time: 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm
Price: Members £2; Non-members £2.50
Telephone: 01925 268770
Location: The car park to Moore Nature Reserve is at SJ578855.
An opportunity to visit this local nature reserve as a group.
Time: 9.30 am
Price: No charges
Telephone: 01925 726986
Location: Meet the leader Tony Parker at Pennington Flash at 9.30 am (SJ643991).
An opportunity for the group to visit this local nature reserve.
Time: 9.30 am
Price: Car parking fees.
Telephone: 01925 726986