Bay Explorers: Bird Conservation and Migration

Meeting monthly our Bay Explorers are expert species inspectors, from identifying beaver tracks to knowing their ducks; this group have got their wildlife sussed.

The group for those aged between 8 and 16, provides young people the opportunity to discover local wildlife and get stuck into practical activities which can include anything from pond-dipping to small mammal surveys to bird ringing and identification to practical conservation tasks.

Joining Bay Explorers provides young naturalists the opportunity to further develop their passion for nature and the environment, learn from local experts in all aspects of natural history and its conservation, and meet other friendly, like-minded young wildlife enthusiasts.

Winter isn’t the only time that birds migrate to the UK. As these winter visitors leave our shores, they switch places with summer migrants that arrive in spring to rear their young. 

It’s thought that around 4,000 different species of birds are regular migrants. Many land here in the UK, leaving places like Africa where there are more predators, more birds competing for nest sites, and often, fewer insects. If our warm, wet summers are good for one thing, it’s the eruption of insects! We'll be finding out more on the species that spend the summer months at the Bay and hopefully spotting several. 

Participants will also have a special opportunity to see some of the visiting birds of Sandwich Bay as they are weighed, measured and ringed under licence (weather depending) as part of our key conservation effort at the Observatory. 

Led by an experienced team of education leaders and conservationists, we are based on the private Sandwich Bay estate and home to Restharrow Scrape, an artificial wetland which acts as a refuge for many birds, as well as woodland, grassland, dunes and beach! We will have you toad-al expert on wetland wildlife and our natural world in no time.

Details:

This is a drop-off Saturday club for children aged between 8-16 years old costing £5. Due to child to staff ratios, we cannot accommodate children under the age of 8.

We will meet at SBBOT's Field Centre at the earlier time 9am, giving us more opportunity to see birds ringing in action . Ticket holders will be provided equipment, refreshment and snack. Please bring a packed lunch.

Parts of this event will take place outside so brace yourself for the Kent weather! Sturdy footwear is recommended and lots of layers if it is cold, hats and suncream if its warm. 

Our Field Centre has a small shop on site, stocking snacks and souvenirs.

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory lies within the private estate of Sandwich Bay, which operates a toll road. There is a small fee of £1 at the Tollgate for non-members visiting the Observatory. However, you must exit from the same toll booth, otherwise you will be charged £5. Once at the Field Centre, parking is free. If the toll booth operators are absent during the time of your visit, you can pay the £1 charge on your exit.

Any questions? Please email educationofficer@sbbot.org.uk