🦅 A Look Back at The Welsh Birdwatch Optics Show 2025

Celebrating another fantastic day for birdwatching enthusiasts at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

On Saturday, 30th August 2025, Carmarthen Camera Centre proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Welsh Birdwatch Optics Show at the stunning National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne. From 10am to 4pm, birdwatchers, nature lovers, and optics enthusiasts came together for a day dedicated to exploring the very best in birdwatching gear.

🌿 A Day to Remember

Despite some weather complications, the event was a big success. Thanks to the gardens’ incredible facilities, we were able to move everything into the Great Glasshouse – creating a bright, spacious, and truly unique setting for the show. The atmosphere was buzzing all day, with visitors enjoying expert advice, hands-on demos, and plenty of opportunities to test the latest optics.

🔭 Highlights from the Show

This year’s event gave attendees the chance to:

✅ Try out the latest binoculars, spotting scopes, and monoculars
✅ Experience kit in a real-world setting within the gardens
✅ Chat directly with optics specialists and brand experts
✅ Take advantage of exclusive event-only deals
✅ Spot local wildlife in between exploring the gardens

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces returning for another year, alongside plenty of first-time visitors discovering what makes the show so special.

🎤 Inspiring Guest Speakers & Workshops

One of the real highlights of the day was the line-up of guest speakers and hands-on workshops, giving visitors the chance to learn from some of the best in the field:

• Ellie Rothnie (Canon Photographer) – Shared an insightful wildlife photography seminar, packed with tips on capturing dramatic images of birds in their natural habitats.

• Jack Baddams with HIKMICRO – Delivered a fascinating wildlife observation seminar, demonstrating how thermal imaging can open up new possibilities for birdwatchers and conservationists.

• Phill Savoie – Brought his wealth of experience to a wildlife photography and videography seminar, inspiring attendees to push their creativity both behind the lens and in the edit.

• Stewart Wood with OM SYSTEM – Led a hands-on mini macro workshop, showing visitors how to get up close with the smaller wonders of the natural world.

These sessions were hugely popular, with plenty of take-home advice for photographers and nature enthusiasts of all levels.

🐦 Growing into a Must-Attend Event

The Welsh Birdwatch Optics Show is fast becoming one of the UK’s favourite birdwatching events. It’s more than just a showcase of gear – it’s a chance for the community to come together, share their passion, and enjoy a day surrounded by nature.

🙏 Thank You

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who attended, the brands and experts who made the day so engaging, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales for once again providing such a spectacular backdrop.

We’re already looking forward to next year – and we can’t wait to make it even bigger and better.