Wild Birds
Meet other local people interested in Wild Birds: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Wild Birds group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out wild birds events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the wild birds events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find wild birds events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Wild Birds Events Today
Join in-person Wild Birds events happening right now
Rabble - Fitness Through Games!
We're fed up of boring, monotonous exercise - let's play ourselves fit!
**TO BOOK**:
It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals.
[https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free!
***
Rabble is a fitness club with a difference:
* Every 1 hour session is a mixture of team games, such as Capture the Flag, Frisbee or Kickball - no two sessions are alike!
* We are SUPER friendly and often host socials after the game
* All abilities are welcomed
* Our aim is to have **FUN**, make **FRIENDS**, and get **FIT** without even
noticing
* Bring your friends along!
Please come in comfortable sports clothing and bring a bottle of water and hand sanitizer. Trail shoes or studs (weather dependent) are recommended, or a good pair of trainers.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the session to allow us to start on time.
We play every:
* Monday in Highbury & Islington (19:00 - 20:00)
* Tuesday in Shoreditch / Haggerston (19:00 - 20:00)
* Wednesday in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00)
* Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30)
* Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00)
* Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00-13:00)
We hope to see you playing soon!
PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than Meetup might suggest. Book your place here: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/)
**Love Rabble**
Monday Evening Chanting Circle - with Gayatri in Elephant & Castle
**Monday Evening Chanting Circle \| 6:30–8:00pm**
Start the week by unwinding your body and mind through voice and sound.
This weekly chanting class is a relaxed, welcoming space to come together after work and reset through simple, shared vocal practice.
We use a mix of:
* Sanskrit mantras
* Rainbow songs
* Shamanic chants
* Gentle voicework
Chanting is a form of meditation that works through rhythm, breath, and repetition. You don’t need any musical experience and you don’t need to sing “well.” The voice is used as a natural tool for grounding and release, not performance.
Practising regularly can help:
* Settle the nervous system after a busy day
* Quiet mental over-activity
* Release tension held in the body
* Improve breathing and vocal ease
Chanting in a group makes the practice easier and more enjoyable. The shared sound helps people relax more quickly and feel supported, even if they’re new to using their voice. Over time, regular group chanting can build a sense of stability, clarity, and connection.
Each session includes time to arrive, chant together, and rest in stillness at the end, so you leave feeling calmer and more centred than when you arrived.
Come as you are. No experience needed.
===
FOR THE BEST PRICE GO TO https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rebirthandawaken
CASH on the night - please message Gayatri 07505014729 to reserve place. Note that if you can't come that you need to send a text message 24 hrs in advance or payment will still need to be made
Om Shanti,
Gayatri
⚽ Mixed 6 aside game📍Stratford 📶 Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/44207
**Game Description:**
Come and join a casual mixed football game in Stratford 😎
**Directions:**
🚶♂️5 minute walk from Stratford International DLR Station
📍 Pitch 3 - In the small 6 aside cages NOT the big 11 aside pitch.
**Rules**
Classic 6 aside rules, can be explained at the start of the session.
Please be encouraging and positive to all players 🧡
Successfully Parenting Children
Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children.
Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting.
During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics:
1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust.
2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect.
3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience.
4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic.
5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence.
6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration.
7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs.
By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.
St. Mary-le-Bow to St.Nicholas Cole Abbey exploring 5 London Churches .
This is a new walk., and is part 2 of our churches walk.
Come with me on an enjoyable walk exploring 5 London churches starting at St. Mary-Le- Bow and ending up at St.Nicholas Cole Abbey.
We will meet at Sir John Hawkshaw which is on Cannon Street Station at 10.45 am, for a hot drink, and at 11.15 am to start our walk.
We will walk to St. Mary- Le Bow, and then to St. Barthlomew the Great
The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great, sometimes abbreviated to Barts the Great, is a mediaeval church in the Church of England's Diocese of London located in Smithfield within the City of London. The building was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1123. {as above image}
The walk will end at St.Nicolas Cole Abbey.
St Nicholas Cole Abbey is a church in the City of London located on what is now Queen Victoria Street. Recorded from the twelfth century, the church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and rebuilt by the office of Sir Christopher Wren.
We will then go back to Cannon Street where we started and have a drink at Sir John Hawkshaw.
If you have a knee problem or walk slow this walk is not for you.
Please bring a packed lunch with you.
£7 meet up fee on arrival {please have the right change}
If you need any more info, ring or text Paul on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone}.
Childminder and Work Time @ Oxygen at The O2
Bring your little ones (and not so little) for a couple of hours of supervision, giving you a chance to focus on work or enjoy a moment of rest.
**What is offered:**
* A table for work, ( four power sockets available, or bring your own battery or power bank)
* Free play on trampolines and games with adult supervision,
* Soft play for little ones (supervision is in place, but maybe we can arrange a childminder to help?)
* Café with drinks and food,
* Wi-Fi internet (8MB Down, 7MB upload)
* If we book as a group in the future, discounts are available!!!
\*\*\* The cost of the jump time is extra, buy your kids jump or soft play time here: [https://oxygenactiveplay.co.uk/activity-parks/the-o2/openplay/](https://oxygenactiveplay.co.uk/activity-parks/the-o2/openplay/) , £29.50 for two hours of jumping per child for open active play, this includes the cost of the needed socks. \*\*\*
**Action Steps Needed:**
**1,** RSVP to show your interest.
**2,** Fill in our basic info form at [https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL](https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL).
**3,** Comment in the conversation to let the others know how many you are!
**Age:** 4 years and older
**Childminder Cost:** Older kids included, younger to be advised.
**Location:** Oxygen Active Play at The O2, [More pictures here](https://www.meetup.com/london-home-education/photos/35712844/)
**Time:** Monday at 12:30 am (bring lunch)
**Important Note:**
This "Childminder and Work Time" event is currently providing a Childminder via the venue staff. If you wish to put our own Home Education child minder in place, please ask.
**Possible Alternative Childminder and Work Ideas are:** Adventure Playgrounds, free play, Soft play, garden time, task-based play, Wall or rock climbing, Natural trust-based transition from parent to child playing with a childminder, parent drop off, Parent present at play group, splash pad, forest play time, River Picnic... What would work well for you?
Badminton Mondays
Badminton Monday is a fun, friendly weekly session for badminton enthusiasts who are looking for regular competitive sessions.
Our sessions are for players who can compete at intermediate to advanced level.
We provide hybrid feather shuttles and games are organised to maximise competition and allow players to rotate partners.
We have access to 3 courts and attendees must wear the appropriate footwear and clothing.
**Venue:**
Oasis Academy Silvertown
303 North Woolwich Road
London
E16 2BB
**General Play:**
Costs for general play is £10 for a 2 hour session from 8pm - 10pm.
**Racquet hire:**
If you wish to hire a racquet, hire cost is £5 + £20 returnable deposit when the racquet is returned to us in it's original condition. We operate a pay and play policy so we ask that all members make payment either in advance or when you arrive for your session - see payments details below.
Payable by cash or bank transfer to Christopher Butcher
Monzo Bank
Account Number : 73518191
Sort code :04-00-04
Please include your name and session day as reference eg Julie220223
**Disclaimer:** Shuttlers and Oasis Academy do not accept any responsibility for any breakage, loss or injury during the session.
The venue is based in Newham, East London and offers male and female changing rooms, shower facilities. Parking is available on surrounding roads.
**Please do not attend this session if you have not joined the event on the Meetup group as demand is high and games cannot be guaranteed if you turn up without joining the event.**
**If you RSVP to join an event and cannot attend the session, we kindly request that you amend your RSVP as soon as possible so that the spot is made available to other members on the waitlist.**
We at Shuttlers look forward to welcoming you to the group. Members can contact Chris on 07565 790725 or Julie on 07956 957696 if you require further information.
Wild Birds Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Public Speaking Club with Early Bird Speakers
**Who We Are**
Early Bird Speakers is one of London's best public speaking club for beginners and experienced speakers alike. Our fast-paced, engaging meetings help members develop confidence and refine their speaking skills in a supportive environment.
**What to Expect**
Each meeting follows a structured format with three key segments:
* **Prepared Speeches** – Members deliver speeches based on projects that enhance skills like storytelling, persuasion, and vocal variety.
* **Impromptu Speaking (Table Topics)** – Participants practice thinking on their feet with 1–2 minute speeches on surprise topics.
* **Evaluations** – Constructive feedback is given to foster continuous improvement.
**Why Join Us?**
* A **diverse and welcoming** community, including professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and more.
* **Energetic and engaging** sessions designed to make learning enjoyable.
* A **structured yet fun** experience that builds confidence and skill.
* Optional **post-meeting coffee or breakfast** for networking and socialising.
* Each meeting is attend by 30-50 people
**Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or already confident at the mic,**
this club is the place to grow.
From first-time speakers to experienced presenters — everyone has something to gain here.
**Meeting Details**
📍 **Where:** Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
🕖 **When:** Every Thursday at 7:00AM - 8:45 AM
(Please try to be on time as reception downstairs will close shortly after the meeting has started)
Join us for free as a guest! Feel free to sign up on Meetup or **simply show up on Thursday.**
Whatever your speaking ability, you'll find a warm and supportive atmosphere to grow your skills.
📩 **Questions?** Send us a message on meetup, visit [www.earlybirdspeakers.com](http://www.earlybirdspeakers.com/) or e-mail us on membership@earlybirdspeakers.com
🦭 (Last Chance!) Hike to Atlantic Grey Seals – Britain's Wildlife Safari
#################
**Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.**
**This is the final opportunity to see the seals until next year, as they gradually begin to leave.**
**We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4VGmwhurmCng2cY3ZJHOS4j9ZlWKaX1/view?usp=sharing) to help answer your questions.**
#################
We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see!
On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, **particularly between November and March**, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see!
The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”.
💪 This walk is **suitable for all abilities** – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures.
**HIKE HIGHLIGHTS**
* Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain.
* Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk.
* See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming.
* Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife.
* Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!).
**DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY**
Distance: 6 miles (10km).
Ascent: 50m.
Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view).
**ITINERARY**
**07:45** Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station)
**08:00** Sharp departure
**11:15** Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop
**16:30** Departure
**19:30** London, we'll drop you off next to Bow Road Underground Station
**TRANSPORT**
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.
**SAFETY**
This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.
**BOOKING**
To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Seals). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.
Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514
We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/313185480/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.
**THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES**
* Transport throughout the trip
* Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
* Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
* Professional event organisation
* Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
* Admin fee
* 20% VAT
**THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE**
* Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
**HOW TO CONTACT US**
For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.
Your guide will be Milena (07869815577, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.
**WHAT TO BRING**
* Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
* Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers or a poncho (if there is a chance of rain)
* Gloves/hat/cap
* Water (min 1L)
* Packed lunch
**REVIEWS ⭐**
We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!
**JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA**
This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!
[Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/)
**REFUND POLICY**
You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).
TENERIFE, VALLEYS AND VOLCANOES
**Backabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit Tenerife!**
Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canaries and has a wealth of amazing hikes to explore. Although the island is more famous for its resort holidays, Tenerife actually has some of the best hikes in the Canary Islands. These islands sit just off the coast of Africa and enjoy mild weather and sunshine throughout the winter months making them ideal for a hiking escape in March.
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
[https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359)
MARCH 1 - 7 - TENERIFE, VALLEYS AND VOLCANOES
**Backabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit Tenerife!**
Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canaries and has a wealth of amazing hikes to explore. Although the island is more famous for its resort holidays, Tenerife actually has some of the best hikes in the Canary Islands. These islands sit just off the coast of Africa and enjoy mild weather and sunshine throughout the winter months making them ideal for a hiking escape in March.
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
[https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359)
Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? - Lorrie Moore
A quick note to say that if you would like to help me with the running costs of the book group, you can give a small contribution via Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/annabookgroup
Thank you to everyone who helped me with the Meetup fees in 2025!
We will meet from 6:30 onwards at the pub and go to the room upstairs between 6:30 and 7:00. Please check with the bar staff before going up that the room is ready and please don't go up before our start time. We will start the discussion at around 7:00pm and talk about the book for an hour or so before having a break. Then we can vote on next month's book.
If you have any suggestions for short (or shortish) books for the next shortlist, please message me ahead of time.
Thanks!
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? - Lorrie Moore (1994, 147 pages)**
In this moving, poignant novel by the bestselling author of Birds of America we share a grown woman’s bittersweet nostalgia for the wildness of her youth.
The summer Berie was fifteen, she and her best friend Sils had jobs at Storyland in upstate New York where Berie sold tickets to see the beautiful Sils portray Cinderella in a strapless evening gown. They spent their breaks smoking, joking, and gossiping. After work they followed their own reckless rules, teasing the fun out of small town life, sleeping in the family station wagon, and drinking borrowed liquor from old mayonnaise jars. But no matter how wild, they always managed to escape any real danger—until the adoring Berie sees that Sils really does need her help—and then everything changes.
NEW: White Sands West Wittering Wander & A Bite At Billy’s on The Beach
**DESCRIPTION**
They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes)
Embark on a 20km coastal adventure from Chichester to the beautiful white sands of West Wittering. We’ll follow scenic seaside paths and open coastline, taking in stunning sea views along the way.
Later, we’ll stop at the famous Billy’s on the Beach for a social meal a perfect chance to refuel and enjoy the beachside atmosphere. After, we continue along the coast to finish at West Wittering. Trains are included, however the bus is not.
**WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO**
Distance: **20kM**
Ascent: c.**mainly flat**
Estimated Duration (approx): **5-6 hours walking**
Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)**
**PROGRAMME**
Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are.
Assembly time: 08:00
Move to train: 08:15
Train leaves: 08:35
Arrive at Chichester station: 10:07
Departure from West Wittering on bus 15:55 ish
Departure Train: 16:39 from Chichester station, arrive back at Victoria 18:15
Exact timings to work out on the day and be prepared to be later back to Victoria than planned.
**Pricing Info:**
* £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event.
* Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime.
**HIKE INCLUDES**
* Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training.
* PayPal fees
**PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE**
* Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
* Souvenirs
* Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup
* Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit
**RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)**
* Suitable hiking shoes or boots
* Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
* Water [2L recommended]
* Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
* Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino
* Camera & Phone
* Picnic lunch and snacks
**CANCELLING/REFUNDS**
If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund.
**QUESTIONS**
If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions.
[FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/)
© AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted
Wild Birds Events Near You
Connect with your local Wild Birds community
Rhino Barn Tour @ The Wilds
**Summary**
For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world.
During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia.
**The date and time of this tour**
We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
**What you need to do to attend**
Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour).
Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect.
**Attendance cap**
There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else.
If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you.
**Additional notes on attendance**
I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went.
If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience.
**Tickets and pricing**
[Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event.
Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds.
Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour.
**Cancellations and refunds**
Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.*
You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org.
**Waiver of liability**
After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time.
The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour.
**GPS / Getting to The Wilds**
The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County.
Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave.
The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi.
**Carpooling?**
If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can.
**The weather**
Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes.
Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is.
**After the tour**
Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them:
*Within walking distance -- 120 feet away*
* [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs)
* The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food)
*Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)*
* [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300
* [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900
* [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000
* [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126
* [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100
If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.
Book Club: Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane
November Book Club: Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane
This is a book about finding healing, purpose, and a path to activism through birdwatching after the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. The memoir follows O'Kane, a former investigative journalist, as she transitions from a life focused on human rights to becoming a passionate birder and environmental educator, weaving together personal narrative, the science of bird life, and grassroots community organizing to save a local par























