Global Birdfair

Organizers of the British Birdwatching Fair (aka Birdfair) made the decision not to continue to stage the world famous event post-Covid. Taking its place is the new Global Birdfair to be held this July in the county of Rutland in the United Kingdom.

This new Global Birdfair aims to pick up the event baton and run a not-for-profit festival along the lines of the old Birdfair, which raised over £5m or US$6.8m for bird conservation projects worldwide over the years. In common with the original event, Global Birdfair will continue to support conservation projects with funding raised by this event.

Global Birdfair is being spearheaded by Tim Appleton MBE, founder of the original Birdfair back in 1989. Many national and international sponsors and exhibitors will be migrating from the former event to the new one, with over 120 already signing up to participate in less than 24 hours from the official announcement.  The new Global Birdfair anticipates to be just as effective at supporting the work of conserving bird species and natural habitats around the world, even more important in today’s climate.

Tim says: “I am delighted to announce that the new Global Birdfair will be taking place in the UK. If there has been one benefit that has come out of the Covid pandemic, it has been a huge increase in many people’s appreciation and awareness of their local environments. Now that global travel is opening up once more, I hope many newcomers will come to enjoy the Fair, which will showcase everything the birding and wildlife industry around the world has to offer.”

Global Birdfair will take place from 9.00am Friday 15 July until 5.00pm on Sunday 17 July 2022 at the Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland.  Tickets will go on sale via the website from Monday 14 February 2022.

The location of the event is conveniently placed in the center of England and within easy reach of a wide range of transport options from London and the rest of the UK.

Exhibitors will include conservation organizations, tourist boards, and ecotourism companies alongside exhibitors selling books, art, optical equipment, bird food, and local produce.

“We are building a program of events to interest all generations,” says Tim Appleton. “There will be a variety of activities including lectures by guest speakers sharing their experiences and discussing topics relating to wildlife around the world.”