July 2022
After the past two years of Covid restrictions and cancellations, and an extremely busy spring 2022 season, it was fabulous to see the Global Bird Fair swing into action at Rutland Showground in England. I had the privilege of attending not only as Valencia Birding, but in a support role for the Valencia Region Tourist Board and the Association of Birding Guides of the same region.
For such a major fair, everything had been put together at extremely short notice, and Tim Appleton´s team had obviously done an excellent job of making it all work. As I always say, the work that results in things that go well is all too often invisible, and it was clear that the team of volunteers had been burning the midnight oil. All credit to them!
The fair was very well attended, and blessed with wonderful sunshine on all three days. It was great to see the birding community get together again, to meet so many new people, and to catch up with old friends and clients from around the world.
We had some great “neighbours” too – the stands next to ours included the destinations of Cambodia as well as Andalucia of Southern Spain, and Bird Watching Magazine, whose stand was staffed by the usual friendly team, all of whose company was a constant pleasure throughout the event.
I was also honoured to visit the team from House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland, a group of enthusiasts who work tirelessly to protect this wonderful little bird, which sadly has suffered considerable population declines in northern Europe. I have the pleasure of collaborating with this group, so to finally put faces to names was a delight.
Whilst I always greatly enjoy the energy, atmosphere and social contact of such fairs, I have to admit that in the evenings, I need to disconnect somewhat and to indulge in some solitary tranquility, and so on a couple of evenings, I had dinner at a great Indian restaurant in Melton Mowbray, The Spice Club. Uzzal Miah and his team run a very professional operation, and the quality of the food, the warmth of the welcome, and the efforts that they go to, made both evenings very special. Hence their mention here – I hope to return some day!
Despite the return journey coinciding with an extreme heatwave, the peak travel season and strikes at many airports, the flight was only delayed by an hour so I made it back to my home in the rural highlands of Alicante by around 2am on Tuesday – tired but extremely happy to have experienced the fair and to enjoy the human element that accompanied it. I look forward to returning next year!
Thanks to all who worked so hard to make the fair happen and to everyone who I met for making it such a special weekend.
Written by Dave Warrington.