Spurn Residential Retreats

We are excited to announce our new Spurn Residential Retreats. Tailored to new and “intermediate” naturalists and first-time visitors to Spurn, attendees will be provided with accommodation at Spurn Bird Observatory in Kilnsea for 3 to 4 nights and dinners at our local pub, The Crown and Anchor, just a minute’s walk from the Observatory.

After an introductory presentation focusing on Spurn, its wildlife and the work of Spurn Bird Observatory on the evening of arrival, the following 2 to 3 days will offer a varied itinerary of guided wildlife walks, moth trapping demonstrations and a chance to see bird ringing. There will also be allocated “exploratory time”, allowing attendees to explore our recording area freely between guided events and evening meals. At 7 pm each night there will also be the opportunity to contribute sightings, or hear about those from others, at our Daily Log, collating records of birds, insects, mammals and more for our rapidly expanding database.

Our first available dates are in late August, with more to follow in September. These are always an exciting period across our recording area with a wide range of migrating passerines and waders coming and going (with a good chance of scarcities and rarities), late summer butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, including locally rare and nationally expanding species. The nearby Canal Scrape trail and coastal paths offer stunning panoramic views stretching across the North Sea and Humber estuary, making for spectacular sunrises and sunsets and even the Northern Lights on a few occasions in recent years.

Interested? Please see below for upcoming dates and rooms available.

Bookings can be made by emailing accommodation@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk.

Upcoming dates and package details

Arrive Thursday 21st – Depart Sunday 24th August

Dormitory Room (3 or 4-bed rooms, single sex where possible)

• £140 per person for the full package (not per night)

• Includes:

  • Accommodation at Spurn Bird Observatory

  • Expert guided tours

  • Evening presentation

  • A behind the scenes look at Spurn Bird Observatory

  • Evening meal each night at the Crown and Anchor (one course and one drink per person)

Little Room (1 single bed and 1 double bed)

• £170 per person for the full package

• Includes everything listed above

• Private bedroom with bedding and towels provided

Please note: Bedding and towels are only provided in the Little Room. Dormitory guests must bring a pillowcase and duvet/sleeping bag.

Please bring your own food for breakfast and lunch. A large kitchen is available for guest use at the observatory. The nearest shops are a 20-minute drive away at Patrington or Withernsea.

Check-in time is 3 pm and checkout time is 11 am. The itinerary of the Residential Retreats may be subject to short-notice changes due to weather, tides and suitability of conditions for bird ringing and moth trapping demonstrations. Attendees are strongly advised to bring clothing and footwear suitable for all weathers and variable coastal terrain, and also to be able to walk for 2 to 3 hour periods (with opportunities to rest on benches and in bird hides across our routes).

More dates to follow. Contact us if interested!