Marine Fest: Birds for Beginners

Join us for a relaxing 45-minute bird-watching tour to find out more about the birds that share our coast. Ages 16+.

Join us for a relaxing 45 minute wildlife tour on Milsey Bay in North Berwick to learn about the seasonal wildlife that can be spotted in this area of Scotland. This is a casual opportunity to ask about basic bird ID and cover some of the most iconic species found around the local Scottish coastline. Everyone is welcome to ask questions, share their knowledge and experiences, or simply unwind and enjoy the wildlife.

This tour is for ages 16+ and cost £5 per person (£4.50 for Scottish Seabird Centre members). This money is gratefully received and will go towards supporting our education and conservation work.

Friendly, quiet dogs are welcome, but we ask they are kept on a short lead throughout.

Route

The tour will start and finish outside the Scottish Seabird Centre, taking participants on a short return journey along Milsey Bay Beach (East beach) or around the harbour wall. Tours will vary depending on the wildlife around and the particular interests of the participants, but a variety of species and habitats will be explored and discussed.

What will we provide?

Binoculars (for the duration of the event), wildlife ID sheets if appropriate, alcohol hand-gel (if needed).

What do you need to bring?

Sturdy boots or shoes, warm, waterproof clothing appropriate for the weather outside, a drink, any medication you may need, a mobile phone, sun protection (on good weather days).

Accessibility

We will be on the move for around 90 minutes during this tour, and the route includes some gentle slopes, uneven sand, rocky ground, and slippy surfaces. We will always try to adjust the pace and the route to make sure that everyone is comfortable, but please let us know in advance if you have questions or concerns about the distance or the route. You can direct queries to conservationprojects@seabird.org.

We are delighted that, thanks to the incredible work of the team at Beach Wheelchairs, all of our coastal wildlife tours are accessible for wheelchair users (subject to availability). To discuss available equipment and book a session to coincide with this event, get in touch with the Beach Wheelchair volunteers on: info@beachwheelchairs.org or give them a call on: 0300 111 2112.

What if my event is cancelled?

If this event is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know. On rare occasions, we may be in touch on the day of the tour (if there is a change in the forecast). Please keep an eye on your emails prior to the event. You will be refunded.

This event is part of MarineFest 2026, supported by North Berwick Trust and made possible by National Lottery Players.