Banbury Ornithological Society - Short and Long Day Counts

Every year two full-day counts are held across the entire BOS area. The first is held in early January from 08:00-16:00 and the second in early May for 12 hours. The surveys complement the WRSS and SRSS in providing a count of the total number of species across the entire region, not just specific sites.

The surveys are conducted as a team, with the aim to field at least one team per 100-km square. For observers, the incentive is to beat the par species count of previous years, with awards given to the team most over par. A second award is provided for finding the "star" species of the day.

The comparitive results over the years supplements the findings from the other surveys, giving us confidence in the survey results.

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 ...

Short and Long Day Counts

Sean Woodcock MP visits Balscote Quarry

Outdoor Meeting: 10 August 2026 @ 7pm