Birdfair 2016
I had the weekend booked of of work, this past weekend (19th to 21st August 2016), I booked it last year if I’m honest, so what did I do on my weekend away from the paying job? Did I spend it relaxing by a pool somewhere, sipping on cool cocktails? Did I spend it out in the field spending a few well earned days hunting down migrants? Or Did I even spend it with the kids hunting fictitious creatures known as Pokemon?
Birding For All
Basically Birding for All works for each and every one of us in getting nature reserves easier to visit, walk around and enjoy. Wellness, mindfulness, basically our health in every way, has been proven to be aided by connection with nature, so better access helps us all to be healthier.
 |
| The stand at Birdfair 2016 all set up ready on day 1 |
 |
| A Visit from Henry Hen Harrier (You may recall seeing him on the Hen Harrier Day post) |
Birdfair 2016
Weekend Highlights
I can’t claim I worked solidly all weekend, Zoe and I managed a few hours here and there to explore the many wonderful marquees, wondered at the amazing art some people can produce (one artist in particular, Darren Woodhead, sketched a picture while signing the book Nightingales in November – as part of a prize we were giving away – that I couldn’t have drawn with years of work!), dreaming of the exotic holidays on offer and watching our friend Tristan Reid talk about his Running for Hen Harriers (please support the work he is doing, the guy falls off mountains and stuff!).
 |
| Tristan, Phil, Zoe and Brian |
On the stand we had many a celeb visit (we always do thankfully there are some great people in the naturalist/conservation world), but the highlight had to be the wonderful Chris Packham choosing to do a book signing on our stand, in fact he was straight off a plane and to our small group to sign for the masses.
 |
| Chris Packham signing books on our stand |
 |
| Zoe being Chris Packhams sign holder (same sign as Hen Harrier day) |
Weekend Lowlights (does that work)
Our good friend and colleague on the stand Phil having an accident day 1 and requiring an ambulance, thankfully all was OK in the end, but there were worried people all around.
All in all it was a great event, but oh so tiring.
Looking Ahead
Up Date
See you next year.
Oh and there were plenty more photos taken, but if you want to see them you will have to follow Birding for All on Facebook or Twitter, or read the newsletter. What you don’t get the newsletter? Well perhaps you should sign up (click here) and become a member, It’s free and we won’t bombard you with emails (1 or 2 a year) or letters (1 newsletter a year) but your support is welcome.
Did you enjoy Birdfair 2016? or Find it useful? Then please consider sharing with your friends via the links below.
2 Comments
Lisa1970
I hadn't realised how good this cause was…well done on your hard work. Looks like a great event 🙂
AshleyBeolens
It is a cause that grows as the population ages as well 🙂 Thank you