We're back at RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve!

Please note that this event has now sold out. Please join the waitlist for a chance to be offered a space if any become available from cancellations. Thank you!

Join us for a gentle morning bird walk at St Aidan’s Nature Reserve, one of the most exciting birding sites in the area 🌼 🐦

We're back for our Autumn walk series, starting with a double St Aidan's weekend! We'll be running the same walk on the Saturday and Sunday this weekend to allow for more people to join us at one of our favourite sites.

As we're running the same walk on both days, we'd really appreciate if you could book onto just one of the two walks, to give as many people as possible the chance to join us.

This walk is perfect if you:

Are new to birdwatching and want a relaxed introduction

Enjoy wide open landscapes and waterside views

Like learning in a friendly, unhurried group

Want to connect with other adult beginner birders in Leeds

St Aidan’s is known for its mix of lagoons, wetlands, grassland, and scrub, which attracts a wide variety of birds. We may see lapwings, black-tailed godwits, and other waders, alongside herons, egrets, grebes, ducks, and geese by the water. With Autumn migration underway, there may also be a chance to spot some passing migrants, as well as birds of prey such as kestrels or red kites overhead, and perhaps an appearance from the local little owl.

As always, we’ll take things at an easy pace, stopping often to watch, listen, and share what we’re seeing. No experience is needed; curiosity and a willingness to look closely are more than enough.

Details

📅 Date: Sunday 27 September 2026 (see our other event if you'd like to attend on the Saturday instead).

🕙 Time: 10:00-13:00. This includes a short period of time at the start for introductions, then there will be some time for a rest with a warm drink at the end if you'd like to stay a little longer.

📍 Location: St Aidan’s Nature Reserve (exact meeting point will be shared ahead of the walk)

Accessibility & comfort

Wide, mostly flat paths suitable for a gentle walk. There is a small hilly section to and from the car park.

Plenty of open viewpoints and stopping places.

A small number of binoculars are available to borrow if you don’t have your own.

What to bring

Comfortable footwear and layers suitable for early autumn weather

Sun protection or waterproofs, depending on the forecast

A drink or snack if you’d like

Binoculars if you have them (optional - we can lend some)

After the walk we stop at a nearby coffee shop to have a cuppa and get to know each other a little more - please do join us if you would like to!

🌿 ✨ Spaces are limited so we can keep the group friendly and safe. Book your free ticket today to join us. We’d love to see you there. 🐦

About Leeds Lapwings Walks

Leeds Lapwings is a friendly and inclusive birdwatching group based in Leeds.

We bring together people who want to slow down, enjoy nature, explore local birdlife, and connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

No matter your experience level, you’re invited to join us for a low-pressure, social way into birdwatching. Come as you are!

We’re primarily aimed at those in their 20s and 30s to support young adults to get into birding, but we welcome anyone who shares our approach.

Please note: Leeds Lapwings walks are for adults aged 18 and over. Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs.

Description supplied by the event organiser.