u3a

Pewsey

Birdwatching

Our friendly group welcomes beginners as well as knowledgeable members and the only equipment required are binoculars and waterproof clothing.
We learn how to identify birds and visit Salisbury Plain, nature reserves, lakes, rivers, coast, open and woodland areas.
Bring along your camera, as you may get a glimpse of a bird that you’ve never seen before.

An ability to walk short distances is desirable, and time will be spent in non-heated hides and outdoors, so bring along appropriate clothing.

We meet on a Tuesday but our meeting times, locations and regularity may vary depending on the time of the year with some trips being half day events while others may be full day bird watching.

Occasionally an event in the evening may be arranged. Birdwatching holidays are organised for the members on an annual basis.

To enquire about joining this group, tap or click the Group Leader link below.

Latest News and Updates

During wet and windy November 2023 a group of seven keen and intrepid birdwatchers braved the inclement weather and set off for a five day holiday of gales, high tides and wet clothes. The aim was to visit Hampshire and Dorset coastal areas to spot waders, sea ducks and geese, including winter visitors. A tall order in such poor weather conditions.

On day one we visited the areas around Portsmouth and the Solent and were fortunate to see many Brent Geese, a lone Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Pintail a juvenile Razorbill, Avocets and Turnstones.

On day two we moved our base from Eastleigh to Poole and visited Keyhaven Marshes and Christchurch on the way. Even stronger westerly winds today with incredible flying displays from firstly an Oystercatcher which we walked past while he was stationary flying against the wind, and eventually was forced to land on the sea wall. Secondly a small flock of Brent Geese flying in slow motion against the wind at probably no more than 3ft above the waves at about 5mph. Hundreds of Wigeon, Teal and Shelducks were sheltering in the marshes with occasional sightings of Corn Buntings and Water Pipits. Good sighting too of Roe Deer. At Christchurch we faced a high tide but at Stanpit we were fortunate to see Black-tailed Godwits and Little Egrets.

On day three we concentrated on Arne RSPB reserve and surrounding areas including Hartland Moor. Many woodland birds seen including Goldcrest and Nuthatch, and a group of Sika Deer. Out in Poole Harbour great shots of Curlews, Redshanks, Brent Geese, Avocets, Pochards and Wigeon in large numbers, and also a Red-crested Pochard.

Day four saw us moving base again and this time to Dorchester, via Durlston, Lodmoor, Radipole Lakes and Ferrybridge. We were most fortunate to see Gannets diving and feeding close to the cliffs at Durston, and Fulmars gliding overhead. Water levels at Lodmoor were extremely high which was good for us as visibility was improved and the thousands of birds which were there were very visible. Hundreds of Golden Plovers and perhaps three dozen Snipe, a Stonechat, Marsh Harrier, Mistle Thrush, and a lone Great Black-backed Gull stood out for us. At Ferrybridge a Rock Pipit and Red-breasted Merganser were spotted.

Status:Active, open to new members
Leader:
When: On Tuesdays

Groups listed alphabetically

  • 60s/70s/80s Music and Disco
    Status: Active
    Ad hoc, roughly quarterly as and when advised by the group organisers
  • Art
    Status: Active
    On Thursday afternoons
    2nd & 4th in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Badminton
    Status: Active
    Weekly on Wednesday afternoons
    From 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm
  • Birdwatching
    Status: Active
    On Tuesdays
  • Board Games
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    Second in the month from 2.30 - 4.00
  • Book Circle 1
    Status: Full
    On Tuesday mornings
    Second in the month from 10.00 - 12.00
  • Book Circle 2
    Status: Full
    On Wednesday mornings
    1st in the month from 10:15
  • Book Circle 3
    Status: Waiting list
    Monthly on Tuesday afternoons 2:00 pm
    2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Bridge
    Status: Active
    On Thursday mornings
    1st and 3rd in the month 10.00 - 1.00
  • Bridge Intermediate
    Status: Active
    On Thursdays
    2nd and 4th in the month from 2.00 - 4.00
  • Card Making
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    1st in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • CHINES
    Status: Active
    On Fridays
    1st in month from April - September
  • Country Dance Music
    Status: Active
    Fortnightly
    1st Friday of the month and 3rd Thursday
  • Country Dancing
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday afternoons
    2nd and 4th in the month from 2.00
  • Creative Writing 1
    Status: Full
    On Wednesday afternoons
    2nd and 4th in the month from 2.00
  • Creative Writing 2
    Status: Waiting list
    On Wednesday afternoons
    3rd in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Darts
    Status: Active
    Fortnightly on Monday afternoons 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
    1st and 3rd Monday each month
  • Dog Walking Group
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    1st and 3rd in month 2.00-3.00pm variable
  • French Conversation 1
    Status: Waiting list
    On Thursday mornings
    3rd in the month 10.00 - 12.00
  • French Conversation 2
    Status: Waiting list
    On Tuesday mornings
    2nd in the month 10.00 - 12.00
  • Gardening
    Status: Active
    On Thursday mornings
    2nd in the month 10.00 - 12.00
  • German Conversation
    Status: Active
    Monthly on Wednesdays
    3rd Wednesday 10.30 - 12.30
  • Jigsaw Swap Group
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday afternoons
    2nd and 4th in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Knitting and Crochet
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday mornings
    2nd in the month 10.00 - 12.00
  • Local History
    Status: Active
    On Thursday mornings
    3rd in the month 10:00 - 12.00
  • Mahjong
    Status: Active
    On Thursdays
    1st and 3rd in the month
  • Military History
    Status: Active
    On Monday mornings
    1st in the month from 10.00
  • Music Appreciation
    Status: Waiting list
    On Wednesday mornings
    1st in the month 10.00 - 12.00
  • Needlework
    Status: Full
    On Tuesday afternoons
    2nd and 4th in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Patchwork
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday afternoons
    2nd & 4th in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Photography 2
    Status: Active
    On Friday mornings
    4th in the month 10.00 onwards
  • Practical Photography
    Status: Waiting list
    On Friday mornings
    2nd in the month 10:00 - 12:00
  • Quilting
    Status: Full
    On Wednesdays
    Dates and times vary
  • Quiz
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    2nd in the month 4.30 - 6.00
  • Rock and Pop Play List
    Status: Waiting list
    Monthly on Wednesday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 pm
    Second Wednesday of each month
  • Short Mat Bowls Pewsey
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    See group info
  • Short Mat Bowls Upavon
    Status: Active
    On Friday mornings
    Most Fridays 10.00 - 12.00 when outside bowling is not running
  • Short Mat Bowls Upavon 2
    Status: Active
    On Thursday afternoons
    Most Thursdays 1.00 - 3.00 when outside bowling is not running
  • Singing for Pleasure
    Status: Active
    On Friday mornings
    2nd and 4th in the month 10.30 - 12.00
  • Table Tennis
    Status: Active
    Weekly on Wednesday afternoons
    From 2.15 - 3.15
  • Travellers Tales
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday mornings
    First in the month 10:15 - 10.30
  • U3A Travel Group
    Status: Active
    As and when publicised
  • Walking - 4 Exercise
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    1st and 3rd in the month - 2.00 start
  • Walking - 5 6 7 miles
    Status: Active
    On Thursday mornings
    3rd and 5th in the month - start 10.00
  • Walking - 7 8 9 miles
    Status: Active
    Monthly on Thursday mornings
    4th Thursday of the month
  • Walking - 7 plus to 12 Miles
    Status: Active
    On Thursday mornings
    1st in the month starting at 10.00 sharp
  • Walking - Strollers
    Status: Active
    On Tuesday mornings
    1st & 3rd in month at 10:45
  • Whist
    Status: Active
    On Monday afternoons
    2nd and 4th in the month 2.00 - 4.00
  • Wine Tasting & Appreciation
    Status: Active
    On Thursday evenings
    3rd in the month 6.00-7.25 and 7.35-9.00
  • Wordsmiths
    Status: Active
    On Wednesday mornings
    3rd in the month 10.00 - 12.00