BSBI exhibiting at Birdfair 2013. 

BSBI at Birdfair 2012
Image: J. Bailey

We are hoping to catch up with lots of fellow wildlife enthusiasts at this year’s Birdfair, which starts at 9 am this Friday, 16^th August, at Rutland Water and runs until 5.30 on Sunday, 18^th August.

BSBI will be on Stand 57, Marquee 1, throughout Birdfair, offering three days of plant displays, botanical exhibits and demonstrations of wildflower identification.

Part of the BSBI stand, Birdfair 2012
Image: J. Saddington

There will also be a lecture by BSBI’s new President, Ian Denholm, who is a passionate birder and botanist.

Ian will be presenting ‘Botany for Birders’ at 4.30pm on Saturday 17^th August in the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre. 

Modest as ever, Ian told me, “It is a huge honour to have the chance to speak at this prestigious event, and to highlight similarities and differences between the hobbies of birding and botanising. Ultimately, I would recommend that everyone tries both!” 

Visitors to the BSBI stand will see plant displays which pick up on Ian's themes and illustrate the habitats associated with some iconic British birds. There will also be practical demonstrations where you can pick up wildflower ID tips, and you can find out more about how BSBI supports nature conservation in Britain & Ireland. 

Birdfair Team 2012 with Prof Clive Stace
Image: J. Saddington

We work closely with other botanists, recorders and conservationists, and this year's stand benefits from the participation of both the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, exhibiting with us for the first time, and the University of Leicester Botanic Garden, who again provided the plant displays. 

Kevin Walker, BSBI's Head of R&D, at Birdfair 2012
Image: J. Saddington   

At Birdfair, visitors can also check out BSBI's web-based resources and find out what grows where and how to identify it, or they can click on our interactive map to see what BSBI has to offer in their area. 

We are also inviting you to challenge us, by bringing along some unusual or difficult plants to see if our experts can identify them. 

Birdfair is an annual event attracting birdwatchers from all over the world, and up to 20,000 visitors are expected this year. We had a great time at last year's Birdfair, and we are looking forward to meeting lots of fellow wildlife enthusiasts this year, on Stand 57, Marquee 1.

More info here about BSBI at British Birdfair. Posts and photos to follow, in case you really can't make it to Rutland this weekend!