Chris Packham among guests expected at Rutland Water Birdfair this weekend
Wildlife TV presenters will join tens-of-thousands of nature lovers from all over the world this weekend for the 30th annual Birdfair at Rutland Water.
Birdfair brings together wildlife enthusiasts from 83 countries around the world, all in aid of raising money for vital wildlife conservation work. Since the first event in 1989, the fair has raised more than £5m helping to save countless species.
The annual extravaganza features fascinating talks and hundreds of stalls selling a variety of wildlife-related goodies, from books to holidays. Highlights of this year's event include:
On Friday night a panel of experts including Chris Packham will debate the State of Nature in Britain with a focus on changes in our environment since Birdfair launched in 1989. Broadcaster Simon King, journalist Patrick Barkham, and Kerry McCarthy MP are among the guests that will join Chris for the discussion.
Dick Forsman, a world expert on raptor identification, shares fascinating stories from the year she spent researching his book Flight Identification of Raptors.
On Saturday the events marquee hosts many events including bird brain of Britain, bird photographer of the year awards and an exclusive interview with TV presenter and wolf enthusiast Anneka Svenska and rewilding expert George Monbiot as they discuss the possibility of the reintroduction of the wolf to the UK.
The wild zone offers young visitors and families a weekend of entertainment ranging from plays, storytelling, guided walks, virtual pond dipping, mini-talks, themed crafts and puzzles and much more.
The fair will be rounded off on Sunday with Birdless Point Brain, Simon King as he reflects on the state of the planet over the past 30 years and the Wildlife Trust's Birdfair pantomime version of The Wind in the Willows.
Birdfair founder and co-organiser Tim Appleton, who has run the event since 1989, said: “It’s hard to believe that it was 30 years ago that we hosted the first ever Birdfair, and since then more than £5m has left the tiny county of Rutland and changed the fortunes of many species of birds and other wildlife.
“This year we’re expecting Birdfair to be bigger and better than ever. We are delighted that so many of the well-known TV personalities are joining us and showing their support for what is now seen as the largest Wildlife event on the planet, and the programme is packed with more than 180 really interesting talks and the marquees are the place to be for all your nature shopping needs.”
Each year, proceeds from Birdfair’s ticket sales are donated to international conservation work through BirdLife International, which represents wildlife charities around the world. This year, Birdfair will be raising funds to create a haven for flamingoes at Mar Chiquita in Argentina. At 45 miles long and 15 miles wide, Mar Chiquita is the biggest salt lake in South America and the fifth biggest in the world. Flamingos are just some of nearly a million birds that find a haven at the lake, with funds going to support BirdLife Internationals project to create Argentina’s largest national park there.
Last year’s Birdfair raised £330,000.
Birdfair entry tickets cover visiting the exhibition marquees and attending the talks during the day. Tickets for the cruises and evening events can be bought separately. Please note that cruises and evening events must be booked in advance through the Birdfair website, birdfair.org.uk.
