Welcome
Welcome to Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB Local Group.
We have been supporting RSPB since 1977.
We have many valued volunteers in Potters Bar, and the ‘three Barnets’(local neighbourhoods of East, New and High – those mostly in postcodes EN4 and 5); who give their valuable time organising various activities. They operate as our ‘committee’.
We’d love to welcome you to our friendly group of people who enjoy the many aspects of birdwatching, and care about the natural environment and its wildlife.We do not have a local group membership, so anyone with an interest in nature can come along.
You can find out more about Group’s activities in About Us.
Latest news
Download our 2023 programme
Good outings and speakers throughout the year. Updated version March 2023
We have been meeting for 45 years
Our group was founded in 1977 to celebrate we had two cakes, at our October meetings. The Wednesday meeting cake cut by Dorothy and the…
From the blog
Local area bird report February
The most notable sighting of the month was a little bunting, which was ringed at Stanborough Reedmarsh near Welwyn Garden City on the 21st. Rye…
Local Bird news November 2022
Hilfield Park Reservoir had a great northern diver on the 21st, other species seen there during the month including 2 goldeneyes, a goosander and a…
Local Bird News October 2022
A dartford warbler was seen occasionally at Rectory Farm, Enfield throughout the month. A yellow-browed warbler was at Bury Lodge Wetlands (Enfield) on the 14th….
Upcoming events
Sun 12th Nov Coach outing ,Summer Leys Nature Reserve (Northants)
Circular walk, 2 miles (3.22 km) of waterside trail.
Walk can take as long or as short as you like. There are hides where you can just sit, chill and watch. Its habitats are ideal for wintering birds. Species that can be spotted include teal, willow warbler, grey heron, and golden plover.
Summer Leys is home to the largest colony of tree sparrows in the UK. Otters are present but elusive. Suitable for birders and those who just enjoy a walk. Mainly on hard paths and completely flat. Wrap up warm and don’t forget to bring a packed lunch and drink.
The Visitor Welcome Pod has just one disabled toilet. Serves drinks.
Friday 17th Nov
Dr Peter Gasson – ‘Pantanal Wetlands in wet and dry seasons’ –
Birds, plants and animals including jaguars and giant otters in the Brazilian wetland.
7:30 pm Church hall at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, 243 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT
RSPB Members £5.00, non-members £5.50.
Sunday Dec 3rd: Christmas Outing
This will be a leisurely morning visit to College Lakes followed by a festive meal at the nearby Greyhound Inn at Aldbury. The reserve offers short and longer walks on good paths round the lake with woodland, scrub and hedgerow, several hides and a cosy visitor centre if the weather is unkind. We know The Greyhound serves delicious food and their festive menu offers a tempting range of dishes.
Wed 13th Dec
Butterfly Conservation Beauty and Defence speaker Juliet Morton
2 pm St. John’s United Reformed Church, Mowbray Road, New Barnet. EN5 1RH
RSPB Members £4.50, non-members £5.00.
Friday 15th December
Conservation, coastal change and the National Trust speaker Stuart Warrington
Stuart worked for the National Trust for 17 years as the nature conservation advisor in the East region of the NT (he retired in 2019). The soft coasts of East Anglia are always changing. This is both a great challenge for managing coastal sites and one of their most important features. This talk will look at how the National Trust looks after its coastal sites, such as Blakeney Point, Salthouse, Dunwich Heath and the amazing Orford Ness
7:30 pm Church hall at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, 243 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT
RSPB Members £5.00, non-members £5.50.
Wed Jan 10th
Sicily-island of flowers and ancient history. Speaker John Wallington
A journey around the Island featuring some of the most important archeological sites and the culture and flora of modern Sicily.
2 pm St. John’s United Reformed Church, Mowbray Road, New Barnet. EN5 1RH
RSPB Members £4.50, non-members £5.00.
Fri 19th January
‘Birds of the Algarve and Western Portugal’ Speaker Jono Forgham
Jonathan has visited The Algarve on many occasions for birdwatching over the last 15 years travelling from Tavira in the east to Sagres in the west. During his presentation he will highlight the hot spots worth visiting as well as giving travel and accommodation details. The variety of birds to be found in many of the wetland habitats that make up the Ria Formosa National Park is quite staggering and a 5-6 mile gentle wander in the correct place will offer the birder the opportunity to connect with many species including Bee Eaters, Greater Flamingoes, Hoopoes and many wading species. Even a wander through some of the towns and villages will give views of Serins, White Storks and Azure winged magpies.
7:30 pm Church hall at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, 243 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT
RSPB Members £5.00, non-members £5.50.
Sunday Jan 21st Coach Outing to London Wetlands Centre
Wed Feb 14th
Amazing Birds in Africa. Speaker Peter McClure
Personal anecdotes of Peter’s time in Africa showing the beauty of birds in Africa and some of the extraordinary ability of birds and their varied behaviour.
2 pm St. John’s United Reformed Church, Mowbray Road, New Barnet. EN5 1RH
RSPB Members £4.50, non-members £5.00.
Friday 16th Feb
Andy Sands – A whistlestop tour of Upper Teesdale
Featuring upland birds mammals and flowers along the way. A talk on the management of an upland grouse moor and the uniqueness of the area in the upper Pennines. A showing of macro images of some of of our beautiful British insects and then introduce you to the wonderful world of Slime Moulds. These intriguing life forms which are neither Fungi, Plants or Animals.
7:30 pm Church hall at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, 243 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT
RSPB Members £5.00, non-members £5.50.
Saturday Feb 24th Coach Outing to Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre Rutland Water