Event info
Do we need to print out our event tickets?
We do not require you to show a printed ticket at any of our events - we will simply use a name list to check you in at the start of our event, or when boarding one of our cruises.
What should I expect from your boat trips?
No two cruises will ever be the same, and we run a variety of trips to target different species throughout the year. Different tides can also provide different wildlife encounters, and so we vary the tide state across our events, and even run some species "Low Tide Cruises" during the winter to make the most of this.
Throughout all of our boat tours, we provide a running commentary about the birds that we encounter, local projects, bird populations and the charity. We have multiple spotters on board, and we aim to point out as many species to you as possible.
We charter the boats from our partners at Greenslade Pleasure Boats, who do a fantastic job at getting us to key spots in the harbour, and will often adjust the boat to ensure that everyone gets a good view of the wildlife we encounter. There is an upper and lower deck to the boats, with light refreshments (hot & cold drinks, snacks) available to purchase as well as toilet facilities.
We operate the majority of our trips with a capacity of 60 people, which is significantly lower than the full capacity of the boats that we charter, to provide space for each customer to be able to view the wildlife and have an enjoyable experience. We don't recommend bringing tripods and scopes on board, as this can block the view for other customers and limit space availability, but please do bring binoculars if you have them! We have plenty of spare binoculars on hand if you do not have your own, or want to try an alternative pair.
We aim to keep our trips to three hours, but inevitably occasionally we return to the Quay later due to the wildlife that we encounter, so please bear this in mind when making travel arrangements.
Do I need to pre-book your trips?
Yes, booking is essential. View all our upcoming events
Is it possible to bring young children to your events?
We welcome children of all ages to our events, and children under four are free! Please let us know via bookings@birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk if you are planning to bring a young child to one of our events, just so we can ensure there is sufficient space available. It is also worth noting that some of our events (e.g. Nightjar Walks, Sunnyside Ringing Demos) may be less suitable for young children due to the nature of the events, but please just get in touch to find out more information if you are interested in booking with a young child in your party.
Is it possible to become a Birds of Poole Harbour member?
We do not currently offer Birds of Poole Harbour memberships. If you would like to support the charity by becoming a regular donor to the charity, you can do so through our donation page here. If you want to keep up to date with our latest news and events, you can subscribe to our newsletter here. Thank you for wanting to support Birds of Poole Harbour!
What clothing should I bring on the boat trips?
We always recommend bringing plenty of layers and waterproofs. It can get cold out in the harbour even on warm sunny days, so it's always better to bring warm layers so that you do not get cold. The weather forecast can be wrong or change so we recommend preparing for rain on our trips too by bringing waterproofs. There is also a downstairs, heated area on the boat where you can shelter should there be any rain.
Should I bring a seat cushion for the boat trips?
We recommend bringing seat cushions for your comfort during our boat trips, year-round.