Date: Thursday 1st January 2026
Start: 00.00 Finish 23.59
Location: Lincolnshire

Do you fancy taking part in the Lincolnshire 2026 New Years Day bird race? The event has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. Similar to previous years, birders can choose what areas they wish to visit, whether it be a local patch or multiple sites. There are no time constraints for participants you can contribute for as little or as long as you like on the day. The idea is to cover as many different sites and habitats throughout the county to produce a collective list. 2026 will be the sixth consecutive year of the event.

Previous year totals have included: 

142 species in 2025


154 species in 2024

139 species in 2023


146 species in 2022

144 species in 2021


Can these totals be surpassed in 2026? Highlights from 2025 included Shorelark at Brickyard Lane, Spotted Redshank at Alkborough, Glossy Ibis at Deeping Lakes, Slavonian Grebe at Gibraltar Point, Red-necked Grebe at Winters Pool and the first New Years Day Spoonbill since we started in 2021. Previous years have included Lesser Yellowlegs at RSPB Frampton Marsh and Great Grey Shrike at Doddington Hall in 2024. I’m sure nobody will forget the White-tailed Plover that graced East Halton in 2022! This just goes to show that you never know what you might stumble into and promises to be an enjoyable day for all. Not to mention a good way to start off your 2026 year list.


The only rules for the day are as follows... 

• Only species recorded within the county boundary can be counted. 
• Species can be counted and recorded any time between 00:00-23:59 on Thursday 1st January 2026
• Observers can record independently or in groups 
• No use of tape luring allowed 
• No stringing 

• All records/sightings to be submitted via –BirdTrack, eBird or the LBC Forum by January 5th.
Alternatively records can be sent by email to rdoan@lincstrust.co.uk

Date: Saturday January 24 2026
Time:09.00 -11.00
Location; MESSINGHAM SAND QUARRY Meet in the car park at 8.45

This Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve has been created by the excavation of sand which has left a series of lagoons. There is a small area of heath, woodland, grassland and marsh providing a range of habitats and supporting a wide range of fauna and flora.

In winter the lagoons host good numbers of duck, gulls and waders whilst the alders and birches that grow alongside the series of paths often have roving flocks of finches, Siskins and Redpolls. Egrets and harriers are frequently present and with luck a yaffling Green Woodpecker or calling Greater spotted may be heard or seen.

There are two hides overlooking the lagoons.

The walk will be led by Matt Cox, the Reserve warden and all will be welcome. There is no formal charge for the event, however, voluntary donations to the Wildlife Trust may be made on the day and will be much appreciated.

Location:- The Reserve lies to the east of the B1400 Messingham – Kirton road. The entrance is through a gate opposite Scallow Grove Farm ( look for the electricity pylon ).

Nearest post code is DN17 3RD What 3 words ///encoding.windy.cooked.

Please note that the car park is relatively small so if you are able to car share then please do so. Also there are no toilet facilities on the Reserve, however, there is a Garden Centre further along the road towards Kirton, on the small industrial estate on the left of the road, where there is a cafeteria and toilets.

In winter the paths can become very wet and muddy so good walking shoes, boots or wellies would be advisable.

To book a place please contact

Sally Prescott - sally.prescott142@btinternet.com

Tel. 01472 840142 Mobile 07796 644380