Meet the team
Trustees and Club Executives
President
W. E. Oddie O.B.E.
Bill Oddie, OBE, began his conservation journey in 1962 and went on to write books and articles on birds. As a host of BBC programmes like Bill Oddie Goes Wild and Springwatch, he brought wildlife to millions. He also serves as president of the West Midland Bird Club and actively supports wildlife charities, remaining a beloved advocate for nature.
Deputy Chair / Treasurer / Executive Trustee
Richard Stonier
Favourite Bird: Storm Petrel
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Out at sea!
Email (as Chair): deputy-chair@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk
Secretary / Executive Trustee
Don Ainsworth
Favourite Bird: Manx Shearwater
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: All over the UK and at sea
Membership Secretary
Michael Bevan
Favourite Bird: Lammergeier
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Anywhere quiet & peaceful
Email (for permits): permits@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk
Social Media Development Officer
Kate Ashley
Favourite Bird: Dipper
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: RSPB Middleton Lakes
Conservation Officer
Dave Jackson
Favourite Bird: Sparrowhawk
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Woodlands
Annual Report Editor
Dave Emley
Favourite Bird: Long-tailed Tit
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Copmere
Newsletter Editor
Liz Clipson
Favourite Bird: If I could only pick a single species from the UK it would be Common Eider, the noise they make fills my heart with joy! Worldwide, probably Yellow Throated Toucan which made me shed a tear when I saw them for the first time in Costa Rica in 2022.
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Belvide or RSPB Titchwell
Field Trip Organiser
Liz Palmer
Favourite Bird: Very hard to choose but any owl always brings a smile to my face.
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Titchwell
Branch Organisers
Honoured Volunteers
Stafford: Branch Manager
Chris Evans
Favourite Bird: Too many to mention - the confiding nature of the Robin, the song of the Blackcap, the thrill of a Red Kite, the glitter and speed of Hummingbirds
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Wherever they are to be found
Blithfield Reserve Manager
Mark Sumnall
Favourite Bird: Red Kite
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Wherever I am
Harbourne Reserve Manager
Paul Bateman
Favourite Bird: Ring Ouzel
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Wyre Forest in late April/early May.
Ladywalk Reserve Manager
Richard King
Favourite Bird: Nightjar
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Lundy Island
Join our team
Are you passionate about bird conservation, community engagement, or leadership in nature activities? Why not join our team as a volunteer, member, or club officer?
Email our club secretary for further information on becoming a club officer
Join Us
Become a member
As a WMBC member, you get access to our reserves, invitations to indoor and outdoor birdwatching activities, our quarterly newsletter, and the annual bird report and much more. Enjoy bird photography, see rare species, and connect with fellow bird enthusiasts in our vibrant community.
Chair of Trustees
John Macmillan
Favourite Bird: Redshank
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: North Norfolk Coast
Independent Trustee
Colin McShane
Favourite Bird: Storm Petrel
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Belvide
Independent Trustee
Tim Fallowell
Favourite Bird: Melodious Warbler
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: On my own smallholding
Independent Trustee
Martin Smith
Favourite Bird: Red Kite
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: RSPB Middleton Lakes
Independent Trustee
Mark Sumnall
Favourite Bird: Red Kite
Favourite Birdwatching Spot: Wherever I am