What our members tell us about CHOG…

Membership

“I would like to make a donation towards the additional fencing/signs.  Thank you for all the amazing meetings you all put on and the knowledge you give so freely. “

“Thanks for the very informative CHOG Bulletin.”

“CHOG is really evolving well, fencing, buoys, pools, ditches, website and free membership to 18 – 25 is a great idea.”

Workshops

“Many thanks for organising this interesting Warbler ID workshop. We learnt a lot today – sadly I just need to retain some of this information!”

“Today was very much ‘our patch’ in terms of where we walk frequently from home, so it was great to see much so local to us – sadly we never see so much when we walk on our own!”

“I think we’ve been CHOG members now for about a year, so although we still have so much to learn, we are really enjoying learning about birds. We really appreciate everyone’s kindness and patience.”

“I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed yesterday’s gull ID workshop. I felt that we learnt a lot. We would certainly be keen to do any future bird identification workshops or similar. The small group format with lots of knowledgeable people assisting the leader worked really well for this sort of bird identification session. Thanks for organising it and to the leader for sharing his extensive knowledge with us. We’ll see you again soon and thanks again….”

Website

“My wife and I visit Christchurch on holidays, and have been doing so for many years, We love Hengistbury, Stanpit, Mudeford  so your daily sightings page, and photos are most welcome. We live in Staffordshire, and like your area. Thank You. Keep up the good work.”

Birds of Christchurch Harbour Annual Report

“New subscription rates still very reasonable! Thank you for all your continued labours. The annual Birds of Christchurch Harbour is a remarkable record and astonishing read!”

“I enclose cheque renewing my membership……Thank you for the excellent Bird Report.”

Hengistbury Head bird hide

“For the second Sunday in a row, I have had the pleasure of spending time in the hide at Hengistbury – a quiet place where I can teach my son about birds, sitting still and the art of recording observations. I am sure many individuals enjoy the experience at Hengistbury hide but I felt obliged to make contact today. After seeing what I suspected was a female marsh harrier (a life first) on the reed beds (Stanpit direction) it was so nice to be able to go to the hide and look at the bird books for verification – it’s not everywhere nowadays where things can be left for community sharing and enjoyment and that should be thanked and congratulated. Thank you to your organisation and what you do – most appreciated.”

Outdoor meetings

“Thanks for all your hard work organising the outdoor meetings. We’ve really enjoyed them and really appreciate people’s patience & kindness in showing us and helping us to identify the different species. We look forward some great outdoor meetings in 2023.” 

“Just wanted to say a huge thanks for the lovely afternoon yesterday and to all the wonderful ‘leaders’ who have already taught me so much, inspired me and given me a much greater appreciation of our natural world.  Everyone is so welcoming, warm and so willing to share their knowledge.  It is such a privilege to be part of this group.”

“I just wanted to thank you for arranging yesterday’s meeting. It was a lovely relaxing afternoon and so good to spot the Hawfinch.”

“Thank you very much for organising the CHOG event on Sunday. I really enjoyed it and it was exciting to see the Hawfinches (and Nuthatch!). I always learn so much when I come to these events and am grateful that everyone is so happy to share their knowledge.”

If you would like to tell us about your experience of being a member of CHOG, we would love to hear it.
Please email engagement@chog.org.uk