It’s all go! Spurn Bird Observatory Trust (SBOT) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are joining forces once again to deliver the annual Spurn Migration Festival (Migfest) over the weekend of 12–14 September. A place to celebrate birds, along with all nature, and the epic journeys they undertake during migration.
02 April 2025
“Spurn is a magical place, and the perfect location to enjoy walks, talks, visible migration, workshops, ringing demonstrations, delicious food, and nocturnal-related activities such as moth trapping and bat adventures!” Sarah Harris, Spurn Bird Observatory Chair.
There will be a raffle, a quiz, a BBQ, camping on-site and exhibitors’ stalls from conservation organisations, BTO Youth, optics, artwork and beer, to name a few, in a spacious marquee. The event truly has something for everyone, with newbie seawatching and visible migration sessions, lone-traveller or first-time ‘Migfester’ introductory walks and a variety of workshops catering for anyone at any stage of their wildlife journey.
Youth events include the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the year competition, a ‘Capturing a Moment’ photography challenge during the Migfest weekend, and, of course, youth walks. The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder application form is now open, and available at bit.ly/MGSYB_2025. If you are under 16, attending Migfest, and fancy winning some optics, make sure you apply!
The brainchild of two Spurn stalwarts, Martin Garner and Andy Roadhouse, the festival has become one of the most popular events on the birding calendar. From its humble beginnings in 2013, the Spurn Migration Festival has continued to grow year on year. With the beauty of Spurn National Nature Reserve as its backdrop, the festival promises to be a celebration of the natural world and a testament to the vision of its founders.
“Spurn is undoubtedly the best place to observe migration in mainland Britain, and this event is a unique opportunity to learn a lot in a fun and friendly environment! Keep an eye on the Migfest website over the coming weeks for ticket sales (under 18s day tickets are free), headline speakers, and the full programme of events.” Tom Jordan, BTO BirdTrack Organiser and BTO’s Bird Observatories contact.
If you are over 18 and interested in being part of the army of volunteers who work tirelessly over the weekend to deliver this event, please contact Observatory Manager, Robbie Hunton, at info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk. You don’t have to be a bird expert to help, there is lots to do - from helping on the welcome desk, guided walks, catering, through to workshops, engaging with and signposting guests, and car parking duties!
BTO is the UK's leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to BTO's surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Thetford (England), Stirling (Scotland), Bangor (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland), who analyse and publicise the results of surveys and projects. BTO's work is funded by BTO supporters, government, trusts, industry and conservation organisations.
Website: www.bto.org
Contact: Jon Carter (BTO Media Manager)
Phone: 07585 440910 | Email: press@bto.org
Spurn Bird Observatory Trust has been monitoring the birds and wildlife at Spurn Point, East Riding of Yorkshire, since 1946. Alongside monitoring work, the observatory runs a hostel, supports residential volunteering, facilitates ecological research in the area and owns seven plots of land, managed for wildlife and public engagement.
Website: www.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
Contact: Robbie Hunton (Observatory Manager)
Phone: 01964 650479 | Email: info@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
