Outdoor Meetings for 2026

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.

Upcoming Meetings

Saturday 12th September at 09:30am  (member only event)
Wader Identification Workshop – Normandy Marsh

For more information 

Saturday 19th September
Hengistbury Head (07:15-09:00 bird ringing demonstration and moth trap opening, then walk 09:30-12:30)

Bird ringing demonstration in the garden of the Visitor Centre starting at 07.15. Please enter via the small gate to the right of the main gates to the Visitor Centre and come round into the garden at the back. You are welcome to arrive any time from 07.15, with the ringing likely to end around 09.00.

Grid reference click here
what3words  click here
Google Maps link click here

For the walk starting 09:30, meet opposite the Visitor Centre on the rise overlooking the Harbour at SZ 16651 91102

Grid Reference Finder link click here
what3words click here
Google Maps link click here

Parking at Hengistbury Head Car Park (charges apply) See here or free parking at the Solent Meads Golf Course in the first 2 rows nearest the road.

You are very welcome to join us for refreshments afterwards at The Hiker café (purchase yourself)

Stanpit Marsh (walk, 14:00-16:00)

Please meet on Stanpit Recreation Ground, just next to the Stanpit Marsh car park:

Grid Reference Finder link click here
what3words silks.other.jungle  click here
Google Maps link click here

Please book for any of the above meetings by emailing Richard, saying which parts of the day you are coming along to.

Saturday 17th October
Hengistbury Head
Visible migration watch 07.00-10.00 approx finish time.

Please book by emailing Richard

Saturday 24th October
Portland and Weymouth
All day meeting starting 09.00 at Portland Bill.

Please book by emailing Richard

Saturday 14th November
Stanpit Marsh 14.30-17.00 (with a talk for new members at 14.00). 

Please book by emailing Richard

Saturday 12th December
Normandy Marsh 09.00-12.00.

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.

Previous Meetings

Saturday 15th August 09:00 – 16:00
RSPB Arne

Sunday 5th July 11:00 – 14:00
Mude Valley Odonata and Birds walk
Looking for dragonflies and damselflies along the River Mude and keeping a look out for birds along the way.

Sunday 14th June 09:30 – 12:30
Martin Down, nr Sixpenny Handley
A walk around this chalkland reserve looking for birds, butterflies and orchids. Please arrive ready for the walk starting at 9.30am.

Saturday 6th June. 10:00 onwards
Hengistbury Head
Opening of moth traps from the previous night. Meet in the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre garden for a 10.00 start. Free event run by Robin Harley, BCP Council, Countryside Area Manager.

Friday 5th June – 20:45-23:00
Hengistbury Head
Creatures of the Night, led by BCP Council Rangers/Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.

Saturday 16th May  10:00-12:00
Hengistbury Head
Butterflies, moths and birds. Walk led by Mike Jeffes.

Sunday 10th May
Warbler Workshop (members only event)

Saturday 9th May 06.00-09.00
Millyford Bridge, New Forest (near Emery Down, Lyndhurst)

Early morning birdsong walk followed by breakfast at the Old Station Tea Rooms, Holmsley 09.30

Saturday 18th April 09.00-12.00
Steamer Point. Birding for Beginners (joint event with BCP Council)
Come and join us for a walk around the woodland and along the coast to learn about the birds of the area and get some tips on their identification. Aimed at beginners, but all birdwatching abilities are welcome as we are always learning! There is free parking, by arrangement with the Council, on the track up to the visitor centre. Drive past the entrance to the Steamer Point public car park and go through the open gate ahead of you, but please arrive between 08.30 and 09.00 as the gate will only be open during that time for parking and only for attendees of the walk. Please meet at the Steamer Point visitor centre at the top of this area:

Sunday 12th April 10.00-12.30
Stanpit Marsh

Saturday 14th March 09.00- approx 12.00
Hengistbury Head
Walk to the Beach House Café and back with the option to stop for refreshments and a chat at the café. Birding on the way and the way back.

Saturday 21st February 08:00-11:00
Acres Down, New Forest, Robins Bush Road, Minstead, Hampshire SO43 7GE

Early morning walk looking for New Forest woodland species.

Tuesday 27th January 10:00-13:00
Birds of Poole Harbour Winter Safari Cruise from Poole Quay

A couple of our regular outdoor meetings attendees are booked on this boat trip and would like to invite anyone else to join them on this.

Saturday 10th January 14:30 until dusk or until you are too cold!
Marsh Harrier Roost Watch, Stanpit Marsh

A walk to view Marsh Harriers coming into their overnight roost. Wellies are likely to be essential as we may need to wade through some shallow water to get to the point we will watch from. Please bring a seat if you would like to.