Banbury Ornithological Society - Birds of the Banbury Area 1972-1981

Birds of the Banbury Area by T.G. Easterbrook is the third decennial (10 year) report by the BOS, covering the years 1972-1981. The report includes the full list of bird species seen in the BOS survey area up to 1981, along with a detailed listing of sightings within the report period. During this period records started to be recorded using 1km OS grid references via a record card system. This period also saw the introduction of the use of a micro-computer (PC) for information storage, something that was significantly ahead of its time and almost unheard of in the birding community.

The report can be viewed and downloaded by selecting this link: Birds of the Banbury Area 1972-1981.

The contents of the report include:

- Systematic List

- Fieldwork: Annual Breeding Season Survey; Ringing; Random Square Survey; Arrival and Departure Dates

- Maps of the BOS area including topography and woodland coverage

- List of the breeding and non-breeding birds

- Historical checklist of species, showing when each species has been recorded

Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury visited the BOS reserve at Balscote Quarry recently, to see conservation in action. Steve Holliday, one of the site wardens said, “Balscote may be a small site (6ha) but, through positive management, it holds Red List birds such as Lapwing and Yellowhammer, 24 species of butterfly and much more." We looked at the vital role volunteers play in habitat management on site and, in light of BOS data on local bird declines, how we can develop a more joined-up approach to nature conservation locally. We finished by discussing how new proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill can benefit, not harm, biodiversity.

A walk round Farnborough Lakes and Woodland

Take Main Street into Farnborough from the A423 – the Southam to Banbury road - where Rachel and Gary will meet us at the Village Hall, (post code: OX17 1ED) where there is parking for about 10 cars. Please car share where possible and park responsibly in the village if the car park is full.

The walk from the Village Hall is less than half a mile downhill to the lakes. Those who would prefer a shorter walk or to avoid walking back up the hill later may like to park in the National Trust carpark at the bottom of the hill by the side of the lakes. Wait there for the main group to join you. Read more ...

Birds of the Banbury Area 1972-1981

Sean Woodcock MP visits Balscote Quarry

Outdoor Meeting: 10 August 2026 @ 7pm