Banbury Ornithological Society - Winter Random Square Survey: 21 or 22 February 2026

A survey where observers are each given a randomly selected 1km square and record all species and numbers of each for a minimum period of 2 hours between 9am and Noon.

Aims:

to gather detailed information on all winter species so that, over time, we have a measure of birds across the whole area of the BOS;
to provide data used to identify trends in both abundance and distribution of winter species.

The results of this survey are combined with those of the previous November WRSS to obtain a winter total. This survey began in 1975 and is one of the longest running in the country.

To participate in the survey, please contact the BOS Bird Recorder: Contacts

For further details see Winter Random Square Survey.

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.

Migration Stations – Drew Lyness BTO

Drew Lyness is Development and Engagement Coordinator for BTO (focusing on England) as well as a freelance bird tour guide and a volunteer for the RSPB at Strumpshaw Fen Reserve in Norfolk – the county in which he lives - and also sits on the County Rarities Committee. He is an experienced speaker with a passion for science communication and birding. Read more ...

Fieldwork

Winter Random Square Survey: 21 or 22 February 2026

Sean Woodcock MP visits Balscote Quarry

12 October 2026 - Indoor Meeting at 7.30pm