- Date: Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November
- Venue: WWT Martin Mere
View the latest optical equipment with a range of specialist organisations
- The nature reserve will be open from 8am over the weekend
- A range of guest speakers celebrating migration
- Reedbed walk around the reserve
- Range of stands including outdoor clothing, birdwatching holidays, second-hand and new books, multimedia (DVDs, sounds, guides, CD Roms etc) and wildlife artists and photographers
- Have lunch in the coffee shop or browse the gift shop
- On Sunday 21 November, A Rocha Trust will be holding a church service at 10am in the Lecture Theatre
Please continue to look at this website for details of exhibitors and guest speakers.
Guest speakers
Malcolm Greenhalgh: 'Changes in the bird populations of the Ribble estuary over 40 years'
Malcolm has meandered across the Ribble estuary with a pair of binoculars since 1959; studied wader populations and their foods for PhD. Author of many notes and papers, and 'The Wildfowl of the Ribble Estuary' (1975) and 'The Ribble' (2009). Wrote several 'species accounts' in the 'Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Lancashire & North Merseyside' (2001) and 'A short history of ornithology in Lancashire' in 'The Birds of Lancashire & North Merseyside' (2008). Besides birds, his other main interest is freshwater ecology and he is author of 'Collins Pocket Guide to the Freshwater Life of Britain & Northern Europe' (which has been translated into several languages including Estonian!) and five books on European freshwater fishes. As for his book about the history and natural history of the Ribble system, all the money he would have made from Royalties etc is being donated to the Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust for vital habitat improvement of feeder streams in the valley.
Charlie Liggett: 'Batting for Lancashire and England
Charlie was a Warden at Martin Mere for 27 years, retiring over 5 years ago. He was a founder member, in 1985 of Merseyside and West Lancashire Bat Group and is presently the Chairman. Charlie was the Regional Representative for NW England on the Bat Group’s Forum and have held a bat licence from Natural England for over 20 years. I became interested in these amazing animals after listening to a talk by Bob Stebbings, the doyen of bat workers in the UK. I carry out surveys, advise householders, give talks and bat walks to schools and other groups and train other people to gain a bat licence.
Eileen Rees: 'Whooper Swan Migration in relation to Off-shore Wind Farm Location'
Eileen Rees is Head of WWT’s UK Waterbird Conservation Programme, with particular responsibility for long-term population studies of migratory wildfowl. She has been active in promoting and leading international research programmes along migratory flyways, notably the Anglo-Russian study of Bewick’s swan breeding biology and the collaborative study of the Icelandic Whooper Swan population.Eileen has been responsible for undertaking and managing contracts awarded to WWT, most recently the satellite-tracking of Whooper Swan migration in relation to offshore wind farm sites on behalf of COWRIE Ltd.
Alan Davies & Ruth Miller: 'The Biggest Twitch'
This is the tale of two people who packed up their lives and lived their dream, the tale of a world record-breaking journey around the globe. With an itinerary covering more than twenty countries and a target bird list of over 4,000 species, it was never going to be easy. Could they do it?
Follow the ups and downs of their birding year in this fast-paced adventure of birds, people and places. Anyone with an interest in travel, wildlife or human relationships will be gripped by this epic tale.
Speaker Timetable
Saturday 20th
11am - Eileen Rees
12.30pm - Charlie Liggett
1.30pm - Alan & Ruth
3pm - Malcolm Greenhalgh
Sunday 21st
11am - Malcolm Greenhalgh
12.30pm - Charlie Liggett
1.30pm - Alan & Ruth
3pm - Eileen Rees
Confirmed exhibitors
in focus: binocular and telescope specialists
in focus are the UK's leading specialists in binoculars and telescopes with a huge range of equipment to suit any budget. in focus are the WWTs optical partners with all sales supporting the work of the trust.
in focus is staffed by birders who will be on hand to offer expert advice as you test binoculars and telescopes in field conditions. in focus has been established for 30 years and has a permanent shop at Martin Mere, open 7 days a week for after sales support & service.
Drawing & Illustration Workshop From 12pm - 3pm on the Saturday Only
Drop in and find out about basic drawing and illustration
Swarovski UK Limited
Swarovski Optik is the Austrian manufacturer of high precision binoculars and telescopes that are all hand assembled at our factory. We also have a wide range of photographic adapters for digiscoping. Swarovski Optik is committed to a global sponsorship programme to ensure the survival of many endangered species. Our company philosophy is to constantly improve what is good. For more information visit www.swarovskioptik.com
Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park
The Ribble Coast and Wetlands area is one of Europe's most special
places for wildlife The area supports internationally significant populations of birds. An average of 340,000 avian visitors per year make it one of the most important wetland sites in Britain for migratory and breeding birds. The area's environmental significance together with its location between Merseyside and the Lake District resulted in its being recognised as a potential regional park for the north west.
Garrick Books
Sale of books both rare and old on birds and natural history ,esp illustrated books by c.f.tunnicliffe & peter scott,also prints on birds
Stealth Wildlife Ltd
Based in the North west of England Stealth Wildlife Ltd. was born from our passion of nature watching and wildlife photography. We source and design quality and innovative products at great prices. Whether you simply like venturing into the great outdoors with binoculars in hand, or are a professional or hobbyist photographer, our range of clothing and camera accessories suit all abilities and pockets. We believe you don’t have to pay the earth for outdoor gear because lets face it enjoying nature at its best is free!
Subbuteo Natural History Books
New natural history books covering birds, mammals, moths, butterflies and invertebrates, reptiles, ecology, plants and wildlife art and photography.
Field Guides
Site Guides
Monographs
Check out our website www.wildlifebooks.com
If there is any title you wish to obtain or bring along to the North West Bird Watching Festival please e mail us info@wildlifebooks.com or phone 01743 709420
Lancashire & Cheshire Fauna Society
We are a charitable organisation whose remit is to collect data and report on all the faunal groups in Lancashire and Cheshire. In recent years we’ve concentrated on the birds in Lancashire and Dragonflies of the region.
We publish the Lancashire Bird Report annually and have recently published “The Birds of Lancashire and North Merseyside”.
www.lacfs.org.uk
The Fair Trade Store
The Fair Trade Store is a Southport-based Online Shop offering unique, handmade Fair Trade gifts, including funky bags, ethnic jewellery, recycled fashion accessories from around the developing world. You are now just a few steps away from the actual Fair Trade producers in some of the world`s poorest communities. By shopping with us and buying our Fair Trade gifts you are “helping to make a difference”.
Second Nature
Buying and selling out of print and antiquarian books on natural history, particularly birds, mammals, 'new naturalists' and 'poysers'.
Bird Watching & Wildlife Club
The Bird Watching & Wildlife Club offers bird watching and wildlife breaks in the Cairngorms and Speyside area, based at the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland.
www.bwwc.co.uk
North West Ecological Trust
Gorse Hill Nature Reserve near Ormskirk was founded in 1996 by the North West Ecological Trust to create and preserve natural habitats for wildlife. It now covers over 100 acres, providing several native woodlands, wildflower hay meadows, hedgerows, ponds, wetland areas and reed beds to support a growing and rich diversity of wildlife, including over 60 bird species, half of which appear on the nationally endangered list.
www.nwecotrust.org
In the Frame Images
Wild bird photographer and graphic artist John Dempsey of In the Frame Images will be exhibiting his latest collection of wild bird art. "Nature in a Frame"
John has been photographing birds for 25 years and has perfected the art of creative digital manipulation producing some wonderful composite art pieces.
Carl Zeiss Ltd
Premier manufacturer of high quality, high precision optical products. Carl Zeiss Sport Optics will be demonstrating their unsurpassed FL Binoculars, new Diascope, spotting scopes alongside the innovative Photoscope. www.zeiss.co.uk/sportsoptics
RSPB Southport Local Group
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment.
Wirral Council Ranger Service
Wirral Council owns and manages 1,500 hectares of countryside and 25 miles of coastline including areas on the internationally important Dee and Mersey Estuaries and North Wirral Foreshore. These areas are home to hundreds of thousands of waders and wildfowl during the winter months and are also important re-fuelling points for many migratory birds during spring and autumn. www.visitwirral.com
Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens
In 1985, the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens (DEVW) scheme was set up at the request of Natural England by Wirral Council to prevent disturbances to wading birds on West Kirby beach during the winter months. Wirral Council continue to support the DEVW in their role in what is probably the longest running scheme of its type in the country. www.deeestuary.co.uk
Lancashire Wildlife Trust
LWT are involved in the management of a number of sites throughout the Wigan area. Wigan Flashes LNR is one of the largest sites, with eight lakes formed by coal mining subsidence, surrounded by reedbed, fen and wet woodland. Over 200 species of bird, 18 species of dragonfly and 6 species of orchid have been recorded on the reserve. Reedbed restoration has provided suitable habitat for bittern, which are regularly seen on the reserve.
Paramo Ltd
Award-winning, soft and rustle-free gear using unique Nikwax fabrics, that keeps you more comfortable for longer in all conditions. Due to their unsurpassed performance and breathability Páramo garments have become the choice of Andy Rouse, Mike Powles, John Aitchison, Simon King, Kate Humble and Ben Osborne amongst others. You can buy Páramo from one of our dedicated specialist retailers, or professionals can join our Nature Pro scheme. www.naturallyparamo.co.uk
British Trust For Ornithology
The BTO is passionate about birds. We are an independent research charity dedicated to producing unbiased scientific information about the state of Britain’s wild birds. We make a direct and vital contribution to bird conservation by enabling both campaigners and decision makers to set priorities and target resources.
Save our Squirrels
‘Save our Squirrels’ launched in 2006, works across the North of England to conserve red squirrels and enable people to find out more about them. Seventeen red squirrel reserves have been set up to ensure a safe habitat for remaining populations of our native red squirrel.
The area covered around Merseyside has been extended from the coast to include Churchtown, Rufford, Aughton, Rainford, Knowsley, Maghull and Waterloo.
Wildsounds
WildSounds is a leading international supplier of wildlife books, audio & multimedia guides (including eGuides) and Field Recording Equipment. If you would like to view a specific title at the North West Bird Watching Festival, please e-mail your request (no obligation) to sales@wildsounds.com. Visit our web-site www.wildsounds.com
Ribble Bird Tours
We organise bird watching holidays throughout the year to destinations on 6 continents. As well as closer to home in the UK. from the Flyde to Florida, Asia & Africa, Europe & the Americas. We'll have something for you!
Robert Fletcher: Wildlife Artist
A range of wildlife cards, prints and originals portray his unique use of pencils and crushed pastels. His portrayal of misty woodland scenes in particular, have achieved him widespread recognition. He is also noted for his bird and wildlife studies. Visit the website to find out more www.robertfletcherwildlifeartists.co.uk
Wildlife Photographer - Michael Potts
Mike has been a professional wildlife cameraman for over 30 years, most of his work was for the BBC’s Natural History Unit in Bristol. He has had a lifelong interest in wildfowl and in fact started his working life at the then Wildfowl Trust over 45 years ago!
Mike spends much of his time photographing wildfowl at home and abroad from his base in North Wales. www.michaelpottsphotography.com
Clore Natural History Centre at World Museum National Museums Liverpool
The Clore Natural History Centre at World Museum is a unique opportunity for all the family to explore the natural world in a hands on way through the vast range of specimens from the museum's collections, providing a direct interactive link between the visitors and the Botany, Geology, Zoology and Entomology reference collections. The Centre has been one of the most popular exhibits at the musem for over 25 years.