Global Birdfair Returns to Rutland with Conservation at Its Heart
It's welcoming visitors from across the country for three days of wildlife talks, hands-on activities, and lively debates
Global Birdfair is getting underway today at Lyndon Top in Rutland, welcoming visitors from across the country for three days of wildlife talks, hands-on activities, and lively debates.
Local hotels, shops, and restaurants are set for a busy weekend as birdwatchers and nature lovers flock to the area.
Organiser Tim Appleton says the event comes at a crucial time, with the world facing more extreme weather and environmental challenges.
“We're going through serious heat waves yet again."
"There are horrendous sort of disasters happening all over the world. We're having different discussions. We have panels, we have debates,” he said.
Since it began, Global Birdfair has raised over forty-five million pounds for conservation work worldwide. Tim Appleton promises:
“Everybody who comes through that gate, we guarantee all that money will go to support the conservation project.”
This year, funds will focus on endangered birds in São Tomé and Príncipe, where species like the Dwarf Ibis are under threat from hunting and habitat loss.
“We're going to be looking at the birds that are suffering dramatically there from hunting, land being used for other purposes other than wildlife."
"We are going to be helping to learn more about them. We're going to be working with the local communities,” Tim explained.
Attendees will have the chance to spot hundreds of species throughout the weekend, from large birds of prey to tiny insects in the grass and trees—while supporting both international conservation and Rutland’s local businesses.