events

3^rd October 2025

‘RETURN OF THE RED KITE AND PEREGRINE’ by Keith Betton (Zoom)

When not birding locally, Keith is a keen world traveller having seen nearly 9000 species in over 115 countries. A past trustee of both the RSPB and the BTO, he has also chaired OSME and the African Bird Club - and is a Vice President of the latter. Having retired early from a career in the media, he is now an adviser to Birdlife International, providing free media training to their worldwide staff. Keith Betton will talk about the remarkable spread of the Red Kite since its reintroduction and share his insights into the biology and ecology of this charismatic species, which is now such a familiar sight on the Cotswolds. He also studies Peregrines in Hampshire and will talk about some unusual nest sites and occurrences he has discovered there.

(Keith is a writer, lecturer and occasional broadcaster and is a keen world birder, having seen over 8900 species in 116 countries! He was the County Bird Recorder in Hampshire from 2010-2022 and is currently Chairman of Hampshire Ornithological Society. He has also served on the boards of RSPB and BTO.)

7^th November 2025

JAPAN: THE WORLD’S BEST WINTER BIRDING? by James Lowen (Zoom)

An award-winning writer, James Lowen has been immersed in all aspects of natural history since he was able to walk, encouraging him to moult into a fully fledged nature writer, editor, guide, lecturer, consultant and photographer.

This popular talk makes a compelling case for why Japan offers the very best of winter birdwatching anywhere in the world. The avian stars of this conservation-infused lecture include such glamorous, sought-after species as Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Eagle Owl, Steller’s Sea Eagle and much more besides. And the best bit? Travel around Japan proves surprisingly easy and inexpensive!

5^th December 2025

The Little Owl – Roy Leigh (Live Talk)

Roy Leigh CAWOS Council Member has been studying owls for 30 years.

The Little Owl is declining across its range in England and Wales; Roy will talk about the initial introduction of the species and its current plight. The talk will include ne initiatives in research and conservation in the UK and in Europe.

Often overlooked and seen as a species of no conservation status the Little Owl needs our help!

Continue to 2026