Here's more from Birdfair:

After 31 successful years, we made the difficult decision not to go ahead with Birdfair 2020. Although heart-breaking, the response from the public, exhibitors and our regular guests to hold a Virtual Birdfair has been tremendously encouraging.

The line up is looking very exciting! We have live and pre-recorded events planned and a multitude of other exciting features for our Virtual Birdfair website. In fact, we have so many things planned we are starting the Birdfair lectures and events from Tuesday 18th August! The website will be updated daily, as well as the Birdfair Facebook and Twitter pages.

Pre-recorded events including “Why the 2020’s need to be the decade of nature’s recovery” with Craig Bennett and "The Self-isolating Bird Club" – A Birdfair Special with Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, as well as a wide range of important wildlife, eco-tourism and conservation topics. 

Live webinars and debates daily including "The future of beavers in Britain" and "The state of the earth – The next generation" chaired by Dominic Dyer with Mya-Rose Craig, James Miller, Dara McAnulty and Sophie Pavelle.

“How to” workshops will run throughout the week from Nikon with Tom Mason, Rikki Chera, Chris Gomersall, Richard Peter and Andy Parkinson, Canon with Christian Ziegler and Mark Carwardine and Olympus.

A library of recorded lectures will be available to watch, released daily from 18th August, and will remain available for 3 months after.

Ever wanted to go on safari but have never had the chance? Virtual Birdfair will take you on a live safari across Africa! – stay tuned for more details.

Our exhibitor area will host organisations and charities normally present at the Birdfair, plus many more. There will be videos and photographs, with many offering special deals and discounts for the Virtual Birdfair weekend.

The Authors Forum will introduce the latest releases from the world of conservation's biggest names.

A Virtual Art Gallery will give you the opportunity to see the work of your favourite artists. 

As well as a whole host of other interesting items, including activities for younger visitors in our Wild Zone, and Our Wild Life photography competition, sponsored by Canon, which offers the opportunity for young budding photographers in three age categories the chance to win a fantastic camera.

Our popular auction will be back with some amazing lots, visitors will be able to view on the website from Tues 18th August and bid online from 9 am on Friday 21st August, closing at 5pm on Sunday 23rd. 

BirdLife International will share more about their current project; “the illegal bird trade in South Asia” in a designated area on the website and discuss the progress of past Birdfair projects.