Outdoor Meetings for 2023 – 2024

General Information

The following events are scheduled, but some details may change. Please check this page in the run-up to events or confirm by emailing the organiser of each meeting.

Most meetings will last 2-3 hours, but please email the organiser if you require more exact timings.

The events are free to members, but there will be a £2.00 fee for non-members. You may have a free first outdoor meeting with us to see if you enjoy our walks, then £2 per walk after that (or consider joining CHOG, which will give you free outdoor and indoor meetings for the whole year).
Payment is via the donate button on the CHOG Shop section of this website or by online payment to CHOG sort code 30-92-02, account number 02700708 or with cash on the day, please. Thank you.

OS grid references can be used to find the location on https://gridreferencefinder.com and what3words locations used on www.what3words.com.

For general enquiries about meetings, please contact Richard Cordery

Each outdoor meeting will be documented shortly after its date and posted to CHOG Online – see the CHOG Online page for how to connect.

The aim is to provide members who were unable to attend, or those who want to visit again, the opportunity to go birdwatching at the location themselves and try to find (or improve upon!) the variety of species encountered by the organised meeting. We shall endeavour to post an account of each meeting within two weeks of it taking place.

Sunday 14th January 09:00-12:00
Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes

Please book by emailing Richard

Sunday 4th February 10:00-13:00
Birds of Poole Harbour Winter Safari Cruise

A three-hour boat trip embracing the safari experience, led by Birds of Poole Harbour staff, scouring the harbour for our hardy overwintering species from otherwise inaccessible areas such as the Wareham Channel and Frome Valley, as well as offering premier views behind the Brownsea Lagoon seawall. The exact route will be determined on the day, taking into account the state of the tide and latest sightings, to maximise the birding potential of the cruise.

Please book by contacting Richard before 20th December.

We have 20 places reserved for CHOG members until that date.

After 20th December, you can book direct with BoPH on their website if there are any remaining spaces available (and please let Richard know that you have booked this, please). £28 per person.

Saturday 9th March 08:00-12:00
Acres Down

(early start to try to find woodpeckers but with the option to join the group at 9am at the main car park if not coming along at 8am).

Please book by emailing Richard

Sunday 7th April 09:00-12:00
Stanpit Marsh

Please book by emailing Richard

Car Sharing
We encourage car sharing for outdoor meetings where possible for environmental reasons and to assist with parking, especially as car-parks at some venues have limited space. If you have friends or family coming along to the meetings, please make arrangements for car sharing yourselves, but only if you are happy to do this in the current Coronavirus situation and with adequate precautions where necessary.