Talks

We generally meet twice a month (from late Sept.- May) on the first Thursday at 2pm and the fourth Wednesday at 7.30pm. The days may occasionally change so please check our programme for the dates of each meeting.

All our meetings, apart from evening meetings during the winter months, are now face-to-face. Group members pay £1.00 at the door, and non-members, always welcome, pay £3.00.

During the winter months, November, January and February, evening meetings will be online via Zoom. There is no charge to members for these meetings. Non-members are also welcome to on-line meetings as guests, but we would ask them to consider making a small donation to the RSPB. They should email info@rspbguildford.org.uk to request a link and include their address in the mail.
The zoom link will be sent out the day before the meeting.

  • Sep
    23
    Wed
    Amazing Birds @ Onslow Village Hall
    September 23, 2026 at 7:30 pm Show Details

    Speaker: Chris Collins, Freelance bird tour guide

    A varied talk illustrated with top quality bird photos covering species as diverse as Jocotoco Antpitta, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Greater Bird-of-Paradise and Wandering Albatrosses.

    Topics include migration, the evolution of feathers and their use in display, and how modern tracking devices have allowed researchers to learn so much more about birds and their travels.

    Cost: £1 for members and £3 for non-members

  • Oct
    1
    Thu
    The 'Downs to the Sea' project @ Shalford Villlage Hall
    October 1, 2026 at 2:00 pm Show Details

    Speaker: Ruth Gillies, Project Manager, ‘Downs to the Sea’ project’. Pulborough Brooks

    'Downs to the Sea’ project:  Much-needed works to encourage more birdlife at RSPB Pulborough Brooks, and other sites.   

    The project will help carry out much-needed restoration work to a number of internationally-designated wildlife sites, including RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. The initiative will restore 15 ‘blue spaces’ (ponds) in the National Park to create biodiversity hotspots and support the movement of wildlife between sites.

    Cost: £1 for members and £3 for non-members

  • Oct
    28
    Wed
    Saving the Stone Curlew @ Onslow Village Hall
    October 28, 2026 at 7:30 pm Show Details

    Speaker: Keith Betton

    Those big eyes will see you long before your see this bird.  Keith has taken a special interest in the monitoring and protection of this very special bird.  In recognition of his work Keith was appointed a Stone Curlew Hero by the RSPB, a notable honour.

    Cost: £1 for members and £3 for non-members

  • Nov
    5
    Thu
    Highlights of RSPB’s work, in UK, Overseas, and locally @ Shalford Villlage Hall
    November 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm Show Details

    Speaker: Michael Copleston,  England Director, RSPB

    To quote Michael: ‘Having worked in the conservation sector for more than 20 years, from the tip of Cornwall to the Hebridean Islands in Scotland, it’s fair to say I am passionate about wildlife conservation.

    Appointed England Director in June 2023, this is a rare opportunity to quiz the man at the top.

    Cost: £1 for members and £3 for non-members

  • Nov
    25
    Wed
    Birds in Winter @ Online via Zoom
    November 25, 2026 at 7:30 pm Show Details

    Speakers: Peter Holden

    Peter considers the various strategies bird use to prepare for winter, then winter survival, and how birds have adapted to changing food supplies and shorter days.  Food for thought, in the lead up to the Big Garden Birdwatch, which was Peter’s invention 40+ years ago!

    The Zoom Link will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. If you are not a member contact our talks organiser for more information