Birdfair 2007 takes place on Friday 17 – Sunday 19 August at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre on the Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water, 9am-5.30pm daily. Birdfair is jointly organised by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB and has something for everyone, with hundreds of stands offering the latest products from binoculars to books to bird food and clothing to country crafts and much more.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and children go free. After entry all entertainment is free, including lectures, quizzes and games hosted by TV celebrities and workshops. Famous visitors this year include Bill Oddie, Chris Packham, and Simon King.

This year, Birdfair is supporting a new initiative to save the world’s critically endangered birds during 2007 and 2008. There are currently 189 bird species on the brink of extinction and some have global populations below 50. All money raised will be used to support the 'species guardians' and 'species champions' initiative, with the aim of reducing the ‘critically endangered’ list and providing a more secure future for birds all over the world. Funds raised from this year’s show will help four flagship species; the Belding’s Yellowthroat (Mexico), the Bengal Florican (Cambodia), the Restinga Antwren (Brazil), and the Djibouti Francolin.

'Species Guardians' are individuals or institutions committed to doing everything they can to protect ‘their’ species. 'Species Champions' will be individuals, companies or institutions willing to make a regular donation to provide funds needed by the 'Species Guardians'.

Tim Appleton, of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Birdfair co-organiser, said: “Birdfair is a day out for all the family. It is your chance to help wildlife on a global scale. Come and support conservation, meet the celebrities, and also take time to enjoy Rutland’s breeding ospreys.”

The RSPB’s Martin Davies, Birdfair co-organiser, said: “Extinction is for ever and nearly 200 bird species are already on the verge of it. By supporting this year’s Birdfair, everyone can help make a difference for these birds all around the world, and have a lot of fun at the same time. For anyone interested in the countryside there is only one place to be on the weekend before the August Bank Holiday – Birdfair at Rutland Water!”

(For anyone attending, don't be afraid to come along and say hello. I'll be on the Outdoor Display, Stand 12 showing off lenses to Jacob's Customers.  Ian)

• Full details of all the exhibitors attending and the diverse programme of events can be obtained from the Birdfair’s website: www.birdfair.org.uk,