Make a date with the  Herts Bird Conference  from 2pm to 5.30pm on Saturday 8 March 2025 at the offices of Affinity Water, Tamblin Way, Hatfield AL10 9EZ.

The speakers include Ken Smith reporting on the conclusion of a long-running study of Green Sandpipers at Lemsford Springs and James Heywood of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) who will be looking back on 30 years of the national Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).

Among the regular conference features are the 'What Did you Miss?' review of rarities and other interesting county bird sightings from the past year and the Herts Bird Photograph of the Year competition.

Photo of a Lesser Grey Shrike at Lilley in May 2024 ©Alan Lewis 

There is a £5 entry fee to help cover conference costs. Parking is available on site. The nearest bus stops (five or more minutes walk) are Tiger Moth Way, Eisai, Hatfield Business Park, Trident Place  and Galleria served by the 341, 602, 610, 614, 635 and 644 services.

Programme:

2:00     Welcome and Conference Chair – Rupert Evershed, Chair, Herts Bird Club

            Affinity Water update on the water situation in Hertfordshire  – Alister Leggatt

2:10     30 Years of the Breeding Bird Survey - James Heywood, British Trust for Ornithology

2:50     BTO Update - Martin Ketcher and Murray Orchard

3:00     2024, What did you miss? Review of the Birds of the Year - Graham Knight

3:20     Break

3:50     Reed Buntings at Tring Reservoirs - Lynne Lambert

4:05     Green Sandpipers at Lemsford Springs - Ken Smith        

4:50     Open panel forum - have your say and help shape the future of Herts Bird Club.

            Please feel free to submit questions or views in advance to birdclubchair@hnhs.org

5:10     2024 Bird Photo of the Year Result - Tom Speller

5:15     Competition results and raffle draw

5:30     Conference ends

We are, again, grateful to Affinity Water for hosting the conference.