School of Birding

School of Birding Join Simon and Mark to become a better birder and have a lot of fun learning!

"If you have the slightest hesitation about joining a School of Birding trip… don’t … just do it! In fact, hurry up and ...
10/06/2026

"If you have the slightest hesitation about joining a School of Birding trip… don’t … just do it! In fact, hurry up and book!

I’ve been on Module One and Module Two… and I’d do both of them again in a heartbeat. Mark and Simon are the BEST! So considerate, so helpful, so knowledgeable and just all round lovely blokes! heir ability to explain, to find and point out, to describe, to steer away from the worst of the weather and provide superb experiences is second to none. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

I’ve booked again - Grant Arms Hotel and School of Birding is a fabulous combination!"

Thank you, Penny, for your very kind words!

2027 spots available now: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

"If it’s expert, friendly guiding you’re looking for, look no further than The School of Birding.Mark and Simon know the...
09/06/2026

"If it’s expert, friendly guiding you’re looking for, look no further than The School of Birding.
Mark and Simon know the area like the backs of their hands, giving an exceptional birding experience to all guests from beginners onwards.
You won't be disappointed and will go home with a great sense of achievement as well as having made some great friends!"

Thanks Sue for the great review of our May '26 School!

ZEISS Birding BWWC at The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey Grant Arms Hotel

(pic - Peregrine)

"It's all about the birds, and yet so much more...., friendships, learning (whatever your previous experience), guides w...
08/06/2026

"It's all about the birds, and yet so much more...., friendships, learning (whatever your previous experience), guides who share their passion and enthusiasm and help make it yours, making memories to last a lifetime." Julie Lewis, May '26

2027 dates now available: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

"Just back from a fantastic week away at Grantown with the legends Mark Pearson and Simon Pawsey. We were taken to the m...
08/06/2026

"Just back from a fantastic week away at Grantown with the legends Mark Pearson and Simon Pawsey.

We were taken to the most amazing places - in magical woodland settings we watched Crested Tit and Pied Flycatchers, Ospreys doing what Ospreys do on their nests, a ‘rollercoaster ride’ with the Black-throated Diver and an errant sheep on a magnificent loch, not to mention an amazing walk to the top of Cairngorm which also revealed to us its treasures.

We watched nature at its best with patience and calm - this is not a ‘bird ticking’ exercise by any means, it’s all about being immersed in nature in all its glory.

The guys are so informative without being ‘teacherish’. Even though I hadn’t already done Module 1, it didn’t matter, everyone was so welcoming and a happy week was had by all.

Thank you School of Birding, I had a blast!"

Ann Fitzgerald, May '26

2027 dates are selling fast - why not join us in february for Module One? Click here: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

ZZEISS BirdingBBWWC at The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-SpeyGGrant Arms Hotel

"What a fabulous week. Simon and Mark are truly inspirational. Their knowledge, guidance and spotting ability are except...
05/06/2026

"What a fabulous week. Simon and Mark are truly inspirational. Their knowledge, guidance and spotting ability are exceptional as is their patience and understanding of all. All levels of birding are welcomed. I recommend joining them in the Highlands 110%!"
Sue Walkland, May 2026

2027 dates are selling fast - why not join us in february for Module One? Click here: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

ZEISS Birding BWWC at The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey Grant Arms Hotel

2027 DATES RELEASED! 2026 is fully booked but we've just finalised our 2027 Schools at the Grant Arms Hotel.... and reme...
13/05/2026

2027 DATES RELEASED!

2026 is fully booked but we've just finalised our 2027 Schools at the Grant Arms Hotel.... and remember, it doesn't matter which order you take the modules, they're purposely stand-alone!

February - Module One
April - Module Two
September - School Trip (just birding!)
November - Module Two

Full details and how to book your place: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

"What a great week at The Grant Arms in the Highlands with Mark and Simon - eagles, Ospreys, Goshawks, Black Grouse and ...
03/05/2026

"What a great week at The Grant Arms in the Highlands with Mark and Simon - eagles, Ospreys, Goshawks, Black Grouse and above all Black-throated Divers. Top birds!!!

There were several Zeiss binoculars and scopes to trial, which were so good I even bought one.

Fun and informative - if you are thinking of booking it, just do it - highly recommended!"

Elizabeth and Michael Lawson

Another lovely review just in, this from Sally in York: "The School Of Birding is the input that has made the most signi...
03/05/2026

Another lovely review just in, this from Sally in York: "The School Of Birding is the input that has made the most significant difference to the development of my birding knowledge. There are so many positives about the teachers and the course content but the thing I appreciate the most is that Mark and Simon make the modules accessible to people of all levels of knowledge.

There are no stupid questions and so much time and patience given to each person, no matter what stage of learning they are at. I really appreciate that and there is no doubt it has helped me to learn and develop more successfully."

Thanks, Sally!

Check our availability here: https://www.schoolofbirding.com/

The reviews are coming in for our recent Module Two, and we're very grateful for the complimentary words! We'll post mor...
24/04/2026

The reviews are coming in for our recent Module Two, and we're very grateful for the complimentary words! We'll post more over the coming days, but up first, here's Robin's review:

"The School of Birding is not a tick box exercise - it helps prepare you for a more fulfilling, enjoyable experience in the field. These guys have immense knowledge about birds which they openly share at their Schools, including Identification, habitats, songs & calls and migration.

Simon & Mark excel at leading a group of enthusiasts, their inclusion, communication skills and passion for birdwatching more than evident, they make sure that the whole experience is fun and enjoyed, and that each individual leaves the School ready for their next “experience”. Guess what? Highly Recommended!"

2027 dates to follow soon!

Our second Module Two (and our tenth School overall!) has just wrapped, and it's fair to say it was a cracker. More here...
23/04/2026

Our second Module Two (and our tenth School overall!) has just wrapped, and it's fair to say it was a cracker. More here: https://northernrustic.blogspot.com/2026/04/school-of-birding-module-two-class-two.html

All our 2026 schools are sold out, BUT we're about to announce our dates for 2027 (and remember, you don't need to do the modules in order - they're stand-alone!). Watch this space for details.....

ZEISS Birding
Thanks Sarah for the Mountain Hare pic!

Address

Grant Arms Hotel
Grantown On Spey
PH263HF

Telephone

+447506730461

Website

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