There is no better place to celebrate birds and birdwatching than at Global Birdfair, which takes place at Rutland Water in July.
Global Birdfair, which was created in 2022, takes place for its third consecutive year in summer 2024. Thousands of birdwatchers from across the world will be making their way to the event, which runs for three days over the weekend of 12-14 July. A new venue has been announced for this year's event, which sees it return to the shores of Rutland Water at Lyndon Top.
Often referred to as the 'Glastonbury of Birdwatching', Global Birdfair provides everything that a birdwatcher could ever want in one single place. Whether you're looking for a new pair of binoculars, attend educational lectures, plan your next birdwatching holiday, want to browse wildlife art or simply catch up with likeminded enthusiasts from across the world, this is the place.
Global Birdfair is often referred to as the 'Glastonbury of Birdwatching'.
Global Birdfair is an essential for birdwatchers of all abilities and backgrounds. Whether you're just getting in to the hobby are you're the most seasoned birder, you'll find plenty on offer to suit your interests across the entire weekend.
Below we take a look at some of the key reasons why you should consider attending Global Birdfair this July.
1. Raise funds for conservation
Global Birdfair is not only a fantastic birdwatching experience, but it also supports global conservation projects through ticket sales and donations. Therefore, simply by visiting the event, you are contributing to a worthy cause.
Every year, Global Birdfair supports a different conservation project. This year's theme is Creating Brighter Futures, which will see funds raised at Global Birdfair being donated to Galala Bird Observatory in Egypt. This site monitors bird migration through this important corridor in north-east Africa.
In 2023, Global Birdfair raised $120,000 to help protect Black-breasted Puffleg and other rare birds in the cloudforests of Ecuador. In 2022, the event donated $100,000 to help revive La Janda wetland in southern Spain.
Global Birdfair 2024 is raising funds for its Creating Brighter Futures initiative, which will support Galala Bird Observatory in Egypt.
2. Try out the latest birdwatching products
Whether it's binoculars, telescope, tripod, camera, rucksack, waterproof jacket, field guide or just about anything else you might use when birdwatching, Global Birdfair is the best event at which to find and test these products.
One of the big draws to the event is the Optics Marquee, where all the leading optics brands will be showcasing their product ranges. If you're looking to buy binoculars or a telescope, then Global Birdfair is undoubtedly the place to try the many options out and see which suit you best.
You'll also be able to compare a range of cameras and lenses, tripods and heads, as well as flick through the latest birdwatching books, buy a nestbox and much more besides.
Why should I buy my new optics from Global Birdfair?
If you buy optics at Global Birdfair, you will be supporting conservation. This is because the optics companies donate a percentage of their profits from the event to this year's Global Birdfair conservation project, Creating Brighter Futures. Therefore, by purchasing new binoculars, telescope or other equipment at the event, you will be directly helping birds.
You may also find that there are some great discounts to be had at the many sellors across Global Birdfair, while the event gives you the unique opportunity to try out optics from all brands in one place before making a decision.
The Optics Marquee at Global Birdfair is a brilliant place to try out binoculars, telescopes, thermal-imaging cameras and more from all the leading brands.
3. Plan your next birdwatching holiday
Have you considered going on a birdwatching holiday? From hummingbirds to hornbills and frigatebirds to fairywrens, there are more than 11,000 bird species worldwide. Global Birdfair is the perfect place to explore exciting new destinations and plan your next adventure, giving you the opportunity to speak directly to experts from across the world to tailor a trip perfectly suited to your needs. Whether it's an Antarctic cruise, the steamy Costa Rican jungle or high-altitude birding in the Himalaya, you're guaranteed to find inspiration at the event and get help with organising your dream birding holiday.
4. Inform and educate yourself about the natural world
Among the biggest draws to Global Birdfair are the famous lecture marquees, where inspiring, informative and educational talks are given by birdwatching and wildlife experts from across the globe. Subjects range from conservation and science to destinations and species spotlights.
Additionally, the Osprey Events Stage will be hosting a variety of presentations, discussions and debates during the course of Global Birdfair.
The Owl Workshop will be back with workshops on wildlife photographer, getting the most from your birdwatching kit and much more, while the Whinchat Podcasting Station also returns in 2024.
5. See an Osprey
One of Britain's most impressive bird species is Osprey, a fish-eating bird of prey that was once on the verge of extinction in the UK, being found only at a few secret sites in Scotland. But in 1996, a reintroduction scheme began at Rutland Water, which has been very successful. The first breeding pair of Ospreys at Rutland Water raised a single chick in 2001 and, 23 years later, the area is home to around 30 adult birds, including 10 breeding pairs.
Rutland Water is now one of the best places to see Osprey in the UK. Birds can be seen around the reservoir, but the best place to view them is from Lyndon Nature Reserve, which is just a short walk from the site of Global Birdfair. Here, you can enjoy views of Ospreys at their nest site and, with luck, flying around over the water and perhaps even catching fish!
Rutland Water is the best place in England to see an Osprey (Craig Smith).
6. Inspire the next generation
Global Birdfair is the perfect day out for the family. With plenty of activities planned for children and young adults, the event promises to offer something for all ages.
Under 18s get free entry to Global Birdfair when accompanied by an adult and all children attending Global Birdfair can collect their own free copy of the book, Be A Global Birdfair Expert.
A Discovery Zone for children operates on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, and is run by WildSpace. Activities will include moth trapping, bug and butterfly walks, examining skulls and colouring.
Young Conservationists Hub at Global Birdfair
Join the Osprey Leadership Foundation (OLF) team and friends from within the nature conservation community at the Young Conservationists Hub at Global Birdfair, a vibrant space for young conservationists to connect with likeminded peers, take part in discussions and get a taster of the leadership training OLF is known best for. You can find out more about what's on at the OLF website.
