FINAL CURTAIN COMES DOWN ON BIRDFAIR - BURDEN WAS TOO MUCH FOR ORGANISERS

Birders queue to enter the last Birdfair 

IT'S the end of the line for Birdfair - probably the world's most popular gathering festival for birders.

From its launch more than 30 years ago, the event was hosted by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust  at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, near Stamford.

But today, the Trust announced that, "after careful consideration of a number of key factors", it had taken the "difficult decision" to stop running the event.

In a statement this afternoon, Head of Engagement Jamie Perry explains: "The global pandemic has had a significant effect on our day-to-day operations as a charity. 

"Like many other similar institutions, we have seen income streams lost or reduced, with a resultant impact on our financial reserves and thus the delivery of our charitable work. 

"Birdfair operations have contributed to these financial concerns."

He continues: "Birdfair proceeds have always been donated in full to Birdlife International. 

"The Trust has never received any part of this, but we have nevertheless borne 100 per cent of the risks and liabilities and have supplied the staff and volunteer effort of running the event. 

"This is a significant burden for any organisation, let alone a small local charity such as ourselves.”

Both the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled because of the global pandemic which still prevails. 

Mr Perry further notes increasing concerns over climate crisis.

"The current format of Birdfair is heavily influenced by travel and tourism, with exhibitors travelling from 80 different countries to attend. 

"The carbon footprint generated both by the event itself and the activities it promotes does not now fit well with our own strategy towards tackling the climate crisis." 

He adds that the event has grown considerably over the years, and the Trust is concerned about the impact that the event might be having on Rutland Water Nature Reserve itself in terms of soil compaction in the site area.

He concludes: "The Trust has therefore had to conclude that continuing to run Birdfair presents our charity with unsustainable financial, ecological and reputational risks."

The Wryneck says: Everyone will understand the Trust's decision, but why did it take until late-November to announce it? It is now almost certainly too late - at least for 2022 - for anyone else to take up the reins and stage the event at another venue. What other options did the Trust explore as an alternative to pulling the plug on the event? Could, for example, the rights to Birdfair - and the goodwill -  have been transferred, sold even, to a commercial events company? And, with all its clout, could the RSPB not have done something to rescue the fair? A lot of people, while immensely grateful for the memories, will feel deflated at how the high-ups of the birding world seem to have patted themselves on the back for past achievements, washed their hands  and walked away.