Ambassadors for Local Birdwatching Events

Birdwatching is more than just a hobby; it’s a gateway to a deeper love for nature and its wonders. At Birds & The Belles, we’re on a mission to connect, support, and empower women who share this passion.

As we continue to grow our fantastic community, we’re excited to introduce our first ambassadors, who will be hosting more local birdwatching events! Meet Danni, Ali, and Shell, three brilliant women dedicated to sharing their love for birding with others. 

Meet Danni, Your Ambassador for West Yorkshire

Hello! I’m Danni, and I live in Leeds. I’m absolutely in love with birds and nature, and I have been a passionate birdwatcher for the past two years. What started as a hobby transformed into a love for photography, allowing me to document my experiences and share them with others. My personal favorite? Herons! Their prehistoric-like appearance gives me such a buzz every time I spot one in the wild.

As an ambassador, I’m here to help fellow birdwatchers, whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your appreciation. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to step into the world of birding, especially when you’re doing it alone. My goal is to encourage new members to take the plunge and join us for an adventure! Birdwatching is filled with excitement and learning, and I want you to experience that with us.

By naturing a sense of community in West Yorkshire, I look forward to organising birdwatching events where we can share our experiences and discover local hotspots together. What are you waiting for? Join us today!

Meet Ali, Your Ambassador for the North East

My birding journey began seven years ago when illness led to an unexpected gift—a camera that transformed my life. Based in Teesside, I found my niche as a professional photographer specialising in wildlife, equine, and pets. My passion for birdwatching blossomed, particularly for seabirds. The gannets at RSPB Bempton Cliffs stole my heart, though I must admit, I have a soft spot for Marabou storks as well!

Being a Birds & The Belles ambassador is incredibly meaningful to me because I deeply understand how daunting it can be for women to venture out alone. My passion revolves around creating safe, supportive spaces where women can enjoy birdwatching. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting your favorite species alongside new friends who share your interests.

Join us at our next birdwatching event! Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious to learn more – I’m excited to welcome you into our community.

Meet Shell, Your Ambassador for East Yorkshire. 

The puffins stole my heart when I relocated to Yorkshire, igniting a passion that catapulted into a full-blown obsession with birds! Since then, I’ve committed my free time to birdwatching, capturing photos of the incredible species I’ve encountered.

In October 2024, I founded Birds & The Belles to connect, support, and empower female birders. It’s incredible to see how many women have benefited from this group so far. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and friendship has truly ignited my passion for birding in a new way!

As an ambassador, I’m thrilled to collaborate with Danni and Ali to expand our reach and bring even more women into our wonderful community. Together, we will create new opportunities for networking, learning, and enjoying the great outdoors. Birding offers amazing experiences that go far beyond just spotting birds; it’s about friendship, empowerment, and embracing the natural world around us. Sounds good? Join us today – I can’t wait to meet you!

Our Mission

Founded in October 2024, Birds & The Belles is a birdwatching group that’s made by women, for women. We recognise the unique challenges that come along with hobbies that were traditionally dominated by men. That’s why we nurture a welcoming and supportive space where female birders can come together, online and at local birdwatching events.

“Community is our superpower; it empowers us and transforms solitary moments into shared experiences that uplift and inspire us all”

Birding is a brilliant activity that fosters connection not only with nature but also with fellow enthusiasts. By empowering women to share their experiences, tips, and journeys, we hope to demystify the world of birdwatching, encourage newcomers and inspire the next generation.

Birdwatching is not just about observing birds; it’s also about building friendships and developing communities. Our new team of ambassadors are vital to our mission as they bring their own experiences, insights, and enthusiasm to the group.

The Importance of Community in Birding

Birdwatching can sometimes feel like a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Our ambassadors understand the power of community. Here are a few reasons why building a supportive community is essential in the world of birding:

• Empowerment: A strong community empowers women to overcome any hesitations they may have about birdwatching events. We want to create an environment where everyone feels confident to ask questions and share their experiences.
• Learning together: Birdwatching is a lifelong journey of learning. Whether you’re identifying species, understanding their habitats, or mastering photography, having a supportive group allows for shared knowledge and growth.
• Exploring new areas: With ambassadors representing different regions, we offer members opportunities to explore lots of birdwatching hotspots. It’s fun to discover new locations through the experiences of others and create new memories together. 
• Friendship: Most importantly, the friendships built through shared interests enhance the birdwatching experience. Whether you’re sharing stories during a birdwatching event or enjoying a casual day out-and-about, the friendship with fellow birders adds to your journey.

How to Get Involved

Come and be a part of the Birds & The Belles community! Regardless of your level of expertise in birdwatching, there’s a place for you in our community. Here are ways you can get involved:

• Join us for birdwatching events: follow us on Facebook, Instagram or online and stay tuned for announcements about local meetups hosted by our ambassadors. Meet-ups are a great chance to connect with other birders, learn from one another, and explore your passion in a supportive and positive environment.
• Get involved online: If you can’t make it to in-person birdwatching events, join us on Facebook or instagram to share tips, ask questions, and join in discussions about birdwatching.
• Invite friends: If you know other women that are interested in birding, encourage them to join Birds & The Belles! The more, the merrier, and together we can build a diverse community that’s driven by shared passions.
• Become an ambassador: If you’re interested in hosting all-female birdwatching or nature-based events in your area – that’s brilliant! Get in touch today to start your journey as a Birds & The Belles ambassador!

In our journey as an organisation, we’re excited to spotlight our ambassadors, Danni, Ali, and Shell, and their commitment to expanding and nurturing our community. With their enthusiasm, we look forward to creating even more safe, enriching environments for women to bird together. 

Happy birding!