BTO Youth Hosts Free Waterbird ID Event
The British Trust for Ornithology Youth is holding a free waterbird identification event for beginners at Oxford Island Nature Reserve in County Armagh on
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Youth group will host a free waterbird identification event at Oxford Island National Nature Reserve in County Armagh on September 5, 2026. The event runs from 10:00 to 13:00 and is aimed at beginners and improvers, offering ten available places. You can find more about our youth activities and events on our fixtures page.
Led by BTO Youth Representative Patrick from Derry/Londonderry and supported by BTO NI Intern Esther, the session will be an informal walk and talk around the reserve. Participants will learn to identify common birds found near water. Engaging bird ID games will focus on waterbirds.
The walk will cover approximately 3km on flat terrain. Plenty of breaks are planned for birdwatching and practicing identification skills.
Event Accessibility and Amenities
The BTO states the entire site, including bird hides, is wheelchair friendly with smoothly surfaced paths. The event organizers are happy to adjust activities for specific accessibility needs if notified in advance.
Toilets are available in the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, less than a 15-minute walk from each hide. A café attached to the discovery centre sells food and beverages. Free parking is available on site. Pickup from Lurgan Train and Bus Station can be arranged on request.
Participation Details
The event is free and open to all ages. The BTO aims to create a welcoming, supportive space for participants to connect, learn, and enjoy nature.
Participants under 18 must complete a consent form with a parent or guardian after registering. Completed forms must be sent to youth@bto.org before the event. The BTO asks that children under 16 be accompanied by an adult.
The event is run with BTO support and permission from Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council. Questions can be directed to youth@bto.org. For more information on our organization and resources, visit our stats page.
Key Event Information
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 10:00 - 13:00, 05 Sep 2026 |
| Location | Oxford Island NNR, Annaloiste Road, Lurgan, BT66 6NJ |
| Cost | Free |
| Participant Level | Beginner, Improver |
| Available Places | 10 |
| Walk Distance | ~3km |
The event will start and finish at the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve on Annaloiste Road in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.
