Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

As an accredited bird observatory and registered charity SBBOT is committed to the conservation and recording of the natural environment in the Sandwich Bay area, and in so doing offers opportunities for education, training and research.

This work is carried out by our Warden and Assistant Warden and a team of volunteers and is financed largely by our members by annual subscriptions and attendance at Club events. These events, the shop and the accommodation are also open to the public.

At the centre of all of the activities is the Field Centre, officially opened in September 2002 by our President Bill Oddie, it also allows the Trust to give something back to the local community, by being:

·        a home for the various clubs run by SBBOT

Firecrest in the Elms

·        by fulfilling the role of Visitor Centre for people coming to the Bay

·        by providing a classroom for schools and universities

·        by providing facilities for talks meetings and activities

·        by providing a base for courses (SBBO run or your own)

·        by accommodating visitors in our self catering accommodation

·        and continuing as the home of the Bird Observatory.

We also maintain a number of habitats including Restharrow Scrape, the Elms, and a dragonfly pond. SBBOT supports the work of the National Trust, the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the management of the Sandwich Bay Nature Reserve and plays a major role in documenting the bird-life of the estuary.