The Bath and District RSPB Group is one of the oldest in the country and remains strong because of its fine programme of events aimed at everyone, absolute beginner to real expert.

For the beginners, there are trips to many wonderful local nature reserves. All are welcome, especially children, though they have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A telescope is used to make things easier to identify and there are a number of loan binoculars.

A big surprise to many British beginners is finding out that in Somerset we have birds as tall as a human with an eight foot wing span. Nature has no borders and neither do we as a group. With our inclusive approach we welcome people from all diverse backgrounds.

A full programme of indoor talks by excellent good speakers is run on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Community Church, Hawthorn Grove, Combe Down (parking is available). Subjects cover many areas and countries, but all have nature as a theme. For those liking the fresh air, there is an all year round programme of outings which include field trips by car, bus and boat. These take in many wonderful, beautiful , exciting and local places to which many people are totally unaware.

It is a revelation to many that the RSPB is as concerned with animals, insects and plants as much as birds and anyone with an interest is welcome. To learn more, either come along or contact us through our website: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/

Bath.

John Yates