In September and October, the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) are hosting training sessions in the region for people interested in the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS).

Join BTO staff and passionate birder, David White, to hone your skills of waterbird ID and learn more about the Wetland Bird Survey including how to use  BirdTrack to record what you see.

This is a great opportunity to increase your confidence in a supportive environment, contribute valuable data for bird research and meet some like-minded people!

They will be delivering the sessions at the following venues:

Staffordshire:

• Saturday 19 September, 9.30am–Midday: Titttesworth Water, near Leek

• Saturday 19 September, 1.30pm–4pm: Tittesworth Water, near Leek

• Sunday 20 September, 9.30am–Midday: The Wolseley Centre, near Rugeley

• Sunday 20 September. 1.30pm–4pm: The Wolseley Centre, near Rugeley

Warwickshire and the West Midlands:

• Saturday 10 October, 10.30am–12:45: Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire

• Sunday 11 October, 10.30am–12:45: RSPB Sandwell Valley, near Birmingham

Many WMBC members take part in the WeBS survey and our club CEO, Don Ainsworth, who joined in with it a couple of years ago said: 

“The WeBS survey is a great way to start contributing data to real scientific research whilst out birdwatching - it’s relatively simple and easy to do, you don’t need to be an expert and you’ll certainly improve your skills as you go. It’s satisfying knowing you're contributing to the conservation and education efforts of organisations such as the BTO and RSPB who make use of the data”.

The BTO training sessions cost £10 per person and booking is required as places are limited. 

Find out more and book your place on the BTO website.