The Birdfair, an annual event held every August since 1989 at Rutland Water nature reserve, has come to an end.
For over 30 years, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, supported by staff, volunteers and members, has run Birdfair, the foremost and internationally-renowned birdwatching, wildlife and conservation event. During this time, it has raised more than £5 million for overseas projects run via Birdlife International, the largest international Partnership for nature conservation.
After careful consideration of a number of key factors, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has taken the difficult decision to stop running Birdfair. One of the primary reasons is concerns over the climate emergency given the impact of Birdfair in attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
I attended the 3-day Birdfair on many occasions over the years, the last time being in August 2019 since the Covid-19 pandemic forced cancellation in 2020 and 2021. It was always a thoroughly enjoyable event with the opportunity to listen to a large number of interesting campaigners, speakers and authors (Chris Packham, Iolo Williams, Gordon Buchanan, Steve Backshall, Mark Avery, Bill Oddie, Simon King, Mark Carwardine, Roy Dennis plus so many others) as well as browse all the credit card busting offers in the exhibitor marquees and catch up with friends and acquaintances from my UK and European trips
It is very disappointing that Birdfair is no more but, on balance, I think that the right decision has been made. Whether a virtual online Birdfair is organised, as in the last 2 years, remains to be seen.
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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