Global Birdfair, the world’s largest annual celebration of birds, is taking place this year from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July (gates open at 9am each day; until 9pm on Friday and Saturday; until 5pm on Sunday). The event aims to inspire all generations about the natural world, with events, lectures and workshops scheduled through the long weekend, alongside shopping and refreshments. It’s held at Lyndon Top Caravan Site by Rutland Water, so watch out for ospreys flying overhead to their nest nearby. This year’s conservation project is ‘Preventing Island Extinctions’ and the 2026 flagship species is the dwarf ibis. Global Birdfair raises funds for BirdLife International, making a real difference to conservation worldwide. Early bird tickets are available until midnight on 2 July. There will be a shuttle bus from Oakham Station (free in the day; charge in the evening – see online for details) and free parking on site.  

Full information and booking at globalbirdfair.org