Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers' Out of County Trip Charter

For insurance purposes, all trip participants MUST be a FULLY PAID-UP member of Nottinghamshire Birdwatchers (club insurance covers people not property so ensure your optical equipment is covered on your house insurance policies “portable possessions”).

These outings are intended for beginners and experienced bird watchers alike. The group is friendly, and everyone is made welcome.

The trips are designed to be educational for less experienced birders, with more experienced birders eager to help identify birds and to answer any questions.

Whilst we try and see as many species as possible on the trips, we take the time to study the birds. It isn‘t a case of “tick-and-run” even on the Birdseekers outings. To maximise the time in the field, we try and leave Nottingham relatively early. Rest assured that we do not stop for hours at farm shops!

Several of the trips have a set itinerary, but we will divert to see any good birds if time allows. The Birdseeker trips are designed to see rare or scarce birds. We will do our best to choose a destination where several good birds are congregated and not just have a long journey to see one single mega–rarity. However, if there is a first–for–Britain in Cornwall with no back–up scarcities, then we would be sorely tempted to go for it!!

Due to the rapidly–changing nature of migration, a decision on a Birdseekers' destination is left until the last moment. This means pick–up times aren't announced until a couple of days before the trip, sometimes on the night before. This results in details being vague, but it also ensures we have the best possible chance of seeing the best birds in the country.

The group usually stay together at bird sites, but you are free to wander off to birdwatch on your own. If you choose to do this, please give your mobile phone number to the trip leader in case we need to move on.

If a departure time is announced, please be at the rendezvous site at that time as a courtesy to other group members. Also as a courtesy to fellow passengers,  smoking is not permitted on the minibus and please do not partake of spicy foods on the evening before a trip: a minibus is a very confined space!

Extra pick–up points can be arranged if required, depending on whether we are heading north or south. When booking, the full cost of the trip is required to guarantee your place. In the case of a Birdseekers' trip, a deposit of £15 is required. This is  NON–REFUNDABLE unless a reserve can be found to fill your seat should you pull out of the trip. The quoted price DOES NOT include reserve entry fees, food or drink unless specifically stated.

Please feel free to contact me for any further details or if you have any questions regarding these trips. The outings seem to be booking quickly, so please book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Note: 10% of all chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweets smuggled onto the minibus may be confiscated by the trip leader.