‘MigFest’ is a highlight of birders’ calendars
Little terns at Beacon Lagoon, Spurn Bird Observatory Trust (Image: Orsted)
A weekend of celebrating birds and wildlife, all set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most iconic migration hotspots, is returning to East Yorkshire. Spurn Migration Festival – MigFest – will be finding the perfect roost at Spurn, from September 11 to 13.
Spurn Bird Observatory Trust (SBOT) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are again working together to deliver the event, which has become a regular highlight in the Yorkshire wildlife calendar. The festival celebrates bird migration and the wider natural world, with a full programme of guided walks, talks, workshops and activities.
Headline speakers this year include Magnus Robb and Mark Constantine, of The Sound Approach, alongside broadcaster and conservationist Ajay Tegala. MigFest offers something for everyone.
With guided walks, seawatching and visible migration sessions, lone-traveller or first-time “MigFester” walks, and a variety of workshops and birding masterclasses the event aims to cater for anyone at any stage of their wildlife journey. Youth-focused activities include the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder competition, the “Capturing a Moment” creative challenge (featuring photography, illustrations, or poetry inspired by MigFest), as well as dedicated youth walks, taking place during and after the festival weekend.
The brainchild of two Spurn stalwarts, Martin Garner and Andy Roadhouse, the festival has become one of the most popular events on the birding calendar. From its humble beginnings in 2013, the MigFest has continued to grow year on year.
Sarah Harris, chair, SBOT, said: “Spurn is my favourite place to witness bird migration and to learn more about the amazing journeys wildlife undertake. So where better to host a Migration Festival than Spurn?
“With guided walks, masterclasses, talks, bird ringing and moth trapping demonstrations and great food on offer, it is set to be another fantastic weekend. This year, we are also celebrating 80 years of Bird Observatory accreditation at Spurn, so it will be extra special for us.”
Tom Jordan, BTO BirdTrack organiser, said: “Spurn is undoubtedly the best place to observe migration in mainland Britain, and this event is a unique opportunity to enjoy some great birding while learning a lot in a fun and friendly environment.”
There will be a raffle, a quiz, a barbecue, camping on-site and exhibitors’ stalls from conservation organisations, BTO Youth, optics, artwork, beer and more in a spacious marquee. Volunteers aged over 18 are invited to help deliver the event, with a variety of roles available to match skills.
You do not need to be a bird expert; there are welcome desk tasks, catering, workshops, engaging with and signposting guests and car parking duties, as well as guided walks. In return, you will receive free entry and camping and have some free time during the weekend to enjoy the event.
Entries for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder competition open on Saturday, May 23. Tickets for MigFest are now on sale.
SBOT has been monitoring the birds and wildlife at Spurn Point since 1946. Alongside monitoring work, the observatory runs a hostel, supports residential volunteering, facilitates ecological research in the area, and owns seven plots of land, managed for wildlife and public engagement. Find out more at spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
BTO is the UK’s leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to BTO’s surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. Find out more at bto.org