4-Night Birdwatching Holiday with Natural Links
Based at Normanton Park Hotel, Rutland Water
Monday 7 to Friday 11 September 2026
Introduction
Join your Natural Links leaders, Dave Fairlamb and Graeme Ruthven, for a fantastic birdwatching break in the East Midlands during autumn bird migration. This area is renowned for attracting a wide range of migrant birds, especially the hotspots of the The Wash on the Lincolnshire coast and Rutland Water, which has the largest surface area of any reservoir in England.
Normanton Park Hotel
One of the Sure Hotel Collection of Best Western, the Normanton Park is a select 3 star Hotel situated on the edge of the eastern shore of Rutland Water, with beautiful views. The Hotel dates back to 1829 and has 2 restaurants and a bar.
Birdwatching and Sites
Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve has a growing reputation as one of the best birdwatching locations on the east coast of England. Situated at the base of The Wash, the intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh and wetlands attract large numbers of wildfowl and waders, as well as reedbed specialists, birds of prey and owls.
Rutland Water is famous for breeding Ospreys and there is a good chance we will see these magnificent birds of prey as they begin their autumn migration in early September. The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre and Egleton Reserve lies on the west side of the water, the numerous hides overlooking the lagoons and reservoir edge, holding a rich array of wildfowl and waders. Lyndon Reserve lies on the southern shores of Rutland Water and as well as several hides, has a Visitor Centre.
Eyebrook Reservoir lies to the south of Rutland Water and the open water is fringed in parts by woodland and scrub. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Sites of Deeping Lakes and Willow Tree Fen have freshwater habitats, the latter holding Common Cranes throughout the year.
Provisional Programme of Site Visits
Monday 7 September
Guests arrive at Normanton Park Hotel from 3pm Check-in time onwards.
Late Afternoon: Meet your leaders, Dave Fairlamb and Graeme Ruthven in the reception area of the Hotel followed by a relaxed birdwatching stroll from 4pm to 5.30pm along the shores of Rutland Water.
Tuesday 8 September
Morning: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve
Afternoon: Willow Tree Fen Nature Reserve
Wednesday 9 September
All Day: Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Thursday 10 September
All Day: Frampton Marsh & Freiston Shore Nature Reserves
Friday 11 September
Morning to mid-afternoon: Eyebrook Reservoir & Lyndon Reserve Visitor Centre on Rutland Water, finishing no later than 3pm.
The tariff for `Bird Migration in Rutland Water, Lincolnshire and the Wash’
£970 per person when sharing a double or twin room
£1,070 per person for single room
The price includes VAT, and covers:
- 4 night’s accommodation at Normanton Park Hotel
- 4 x Full English breakfasts
- 4 x Evening Meals (3 courses)
- 4 x Packed Lunches
- All guided birdwatching excursions
- Evening Illustrated Talks and Quizzes
Terms & Conditions
Payment Schedule
Deposit of £250 per person to secure booking and payable on receipt of booking confirmation from Natural Links. Outstanding Balance to be paid by 31 May 2026.
Cancellations
Due to special group rates secured with the Hotel and Natural Links, cancellations can only be made up to the day before the outstanding balance is due, 30 May 2026, with £250 deposit per person either returned or used as credit towards future Natural Links events/holidays bookings.
Changes to Itinerary
The itinerary stated above is provisional as factors outside the control of Natural Links may result in changes to the itinerary.
Travel in Rutland & Lincolnshire
We courteously ask guests to car-share for travel around birdwatching sites during the holiday period.
To book your place please contact Dave Fairlamb at natural.links@outlook.com
