Once again Rutland lives up to its motto ‘Multum in Parvo’ (much in little) when one of the biggest international birding events of the year takes place in England’s smallest county. With over 24,000 visitors each year, and packed full of exhibitors and special guests, the British Birdwatching Fair encompasses the entire spectrum of birding and wildlife, whilst actively supporting global conservation.
If you are fascinated by wildlife and looking for a fun, family friendly and educational version of a summer festival, don’t miss Birdfair, the bonus being its location in this lovely little county. You could add even more variety to your trip by sampling Rutland’s peaceful and pretty villages; cruise, walk, cycle around or simply admire Rutland Water, the largest man made water in Europe. The lagoons there are a significant part of Rutland’s birding credentials.
Why not make the 18th 19th and 20th of August a long weekend in Rutland? Nearby Oakham, the county town is a few minutes away and is hosting special events of its own; Medieval Games at Oakham Castle on the 18th, Gifts & Crafts in The Victoria Hall on the 19th and a speciality market on the 20th alongside a Fun Day & Wrinkly Rock in Cutts Close in Oakham.
Over the 28 years since Birdfair’s inception, the size and reach of this event has grown in line with the cross-generational passion for bird watching, eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. As Birdfair founder Tim Appleton says ‘recent press articles have revealed what we knew all along: watching birds and wildlife is cool!’
At Birdfair explore hundreds of stalls featuring nature related goodies, holidays and bird watching equipment from across the globe through to home grown creativity and tempting food. Listen to debates and talks by celebrities and experts from the world of wildlife, including Simon King, Chris Packham and other famous faces.
Later in the year, large number of wild fowl such as the pintail, goldeneye, gadwall, shoveler and wigeon arrive at Rutland Water Nature Reserve for the winter from Scandinavia and Russia. You could also have a Rutland winter break and make use of the 40 hides around the water to observe them, before exploring Rutland’s historic market towns complete with enticing eateries, wide variety of independent shops and intriguing buildings such as 12th century Oakham Castle of horse shoes fame, dramatic Normanton Church Museum on the water and magnificent Burghley House.
A taste of hidden England combined with high profile international wildlife festival promises a mini break that’s varied, informative and fun. Plan your break at www.discover-rutland.co.uk
For more information about the event visit: www.birdfair.org.uk
