On Saturday 26th October, The Fine Foundation Chesil beach centre is hosting a day for bird enthusiasts to discover the birds that visit the Fleet during winter and to try out the range of binoculars available from optic experts, ‘Opticron.’
If you’ve ever wondered what the fascination with birds is, Chesil beach is a great place to learn about them, and experience them up-close through our observatory window. Chesil Centre Officer, Marc Smith, will be giving an introductory talk about the migratory birds that are arriving on the fleet for the winter.
Marc said: “Visitors will be able to find out about the birds that winter in the Fleet; their epic migrations and how to identify them. Hear all about our recent arrivals including the brent geese, who have just joined us from as far away as Russia! Other feathered visitors from around the world include bar-tailed godwits, knots and sanderling. All of which have a story to tell!”
Robert Laughton from Optricon, leading specialists in consumer optics, will also be at the centre with an extensive range of binoculars and telescopes for beginners and experts alike to try out and buy. He will be on hand to answer technical questions, or people can just have a play to try out their new bird ID skills and enjoy the birds of the Fleet.
Robert said: “This is a great day out for all the family to come and learn more about the Birds & Wildlife which live on the Fleet and find out which species make the Fleet their home for the winter and where they come from. It will be a great opportunity to try out our range of Opticron Binoculars and Telescopes which will be available to use and buy on the day.”
This is a free event from 10am-4pm. The ‘Winter birds of the Fleet’ talks will take place at 11am and 1pm. Refreshments will be available from the Taste* café. For more information about the event please phone 01305 206191.
TheFine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre is a partnership between Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset Wildlife Trust. The Centre is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Fine Family Foundation, Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve, Jurassic Coast Team and Trust, Crown Estate, CourtLeet of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland,Dorset County Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Chalk and Cheese and an army of volunteers from the local community.
The Centre is open from 10am to 4pm every day. For more information, ring 01305 206191 or visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/chesilcentre
Dorset Wildlife Trust is part of the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership; connecting people with nature.
