The Welsh Bird Watching Optics Show 2023

The Welsh Bird Watching Optics Show is an annual event that draws nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and optics enthusiasts from across Wales and beyond. Held in picturesque, National Botanical Gardens of Wales, the show celebrates the region's diverse birdlife while showcasing the latest advancements in birdwatching optics.

The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, share their passion for avian creatures, and learn from expert birdwatchers and optics manufacturers.

Exhibitors from renowned brands present their cutting-edge binoculars, spotting scopes, and camera equipment, allowing visitors to test and compare various products for an enhanced birdwatching experience.

The Welsh Bird Watching Optics Show also hosts captivating talks, and this years Superstar speaker is none other than the incredible Iolo Williams. 

A Little on Iolo williams:

Naturalist, TV Presenter, Speaker, Writer

'Iolo Williams is a Welsh naturalist, broadcaster, public speaker and writer who’s worked in conservation for over 30 years.

He is most widely known as a popular member of the Spring watch, Autumn watch and Winter watch presenting team and for presenting series such as Wild Wales, Rugged Wales and Great Welsh Parks for BBC 2.

Iolo’s early years

'Iolo was born and brought up in mid Wales and studied in London for a degree in ecology at North East London Polytechnic. After graduating he went on to work for the RSPB for almost 15 years as Species Officer for Wales, a job he loved as he worked with some of the country’s rarest breeding birds.

Eventually this brought him to the attention of the media and BBC 2’s Visions of Snowdonia and Birdman followed Iolo’s work as an RSPB officer.

In the late 1990s Iolo left the Society to work full-time in the media. His series, in both Welsh and English, concentrated on the wildlife of Wales and the world and he co-presented several network series such as Nature’s Top 40 and Countryfile.

Iolo has written several books on Welsh wildlife in both English and Welsh and he is a regular contributor to several magazines, including ‘BBC Wildlife’.

Empassioned Speaker

'Iolo gives informative and entertaining talks about Birds of Prey and Wildlife in Wales and he’ll shortly be touring with Martin Hughes-Games (from the ‘Watches’) with their new, fun and fact packed show Wildlife Road Trip.

As someone who is utterly dedicated to conservation, Iolo has used his knowledge and experience to address the Welsh Assembly, proving to be a power-house of a speaker.'

Sky high and oceans deep

In his spare time Iolo contributes to wildlife surveys in Wales. He is very well travelled and enjoys tour guiding throughout the UK and in other countries.

He’s a patron of several Welsh conservation organizations and is currently president of the Welsh Ornithological Society. He’s undertaken charity walks up Kilimanjaro for Velindre Cancer Care and has twice trekked the length of Wales for Air Ambulance and Hope House/Ty Hafan children’s hospices.

Iolo is a qualified paraglider, PADI Divemaster and a keen sportsman who’s played rugby for most of his life.' 

Attendees gain invaluable insights into bird behavior, identification tips, and ethical birdwatching practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature.

Beyond the trade show & Seminar, guided birds of Prey Events will be taking place, as we are joined by Nikon UK for the Birds of Prey Shows.

This immersive experience lets participants witness a plethora of bird species in their natural habitats and offers an ideal setting for amateur and experienced birdwatchers to sharpen their skills.

The Welsh Bird Watching Optics Show is a celebration of Wales' rich birdlife and a hub for fostering environmental consciousness and sustainable birdwatching practices. It stands as a testament to the ever-growing community of birdwatching enthusiasts, bringing people closer to nature and inspiring a greater appreciation for the feathered inhabitants of Wales.

This all backed up by the Amazing brands involved including:

Swarovski UK

Hawke UK

HikMicro UK

Opticron UK

Nikon UK

We can not wait to see you all at the event of the year!