About the
British Trust for Ornithology

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The British Trust for Ornithology

The British Trust for Ornithology has existed since 1933 as an independent, scientific research trust, investigating the populations, movements and ecology of wild birds in the British Isles. Our speciality is the design and implementation of volunteer wild bird surveys. Our partnership between a large number of volunteers and a small scientific staff has proved to be a powerful, productive and cost-effective way of monitoring wild birds. Volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life put their bird-watching skills to good use. They record wild birds systematically using survey methods developed by our scientists, who then compile the records and analyse them for publication. This work makes a direct and vital contribution to bird conservation, by enabling both campaigners and decision-makers to set priorities and target resources. It also provides a unique insight into the state of our environment and how it may be changing.

BTO volunteer surveys vary in complexity and in the skills required.  Even beginners can record the common birds in their own gardens. Other surveys require the identification of all birds heard as well as seen, on a survey plot that may be a few miles from home. Some BTO volunteer nest recorders obtain information of great importance from a single nestbox, others make annual expeditions to remote seabird colonies or hair-raising climbs to treetop-nesting raptors, all on their own initiative. Volunteers can also learn how to catch wild birds harmlessly and mark them with uniquely numbered leg rings, after a period of training with a BTO-licensed ringer operating in their area. This makes a vital contribution to our understanding of how birds’ survival rates, breeding success and movements may be changing. You will find links below to pages that describe all our volunteer surveys and projects for wild bird enthusiasts in detail.

The key thing to remember about volunteering is that you can make as little or as much effort as you wish. Involvement in BTO volunteer surveys need not mean a massive commitment, year after year. BTO survey work is an enjoyable extension of your birdwatching hobby. It can be tailored to your own level of skill, interest and spare time and it can change as your life changes. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that each contribution, however small, will form part of a unique body of data that enables our ornithologists to understand how and why our bird populations may be changing. This resource is of particular importance at this time of great change and uncertainty for our wild bird populations and the environment in general.

The British Trust for Ornithology is a not-for-profit trust, governed by its members through a structure of volunteer committees, which determine our policies and programmes and oversee our management. The Trust is registered in England and Wales as a charity (no. 216652). You can copy and paste this number to view our entry in the Register of Charities. Other pages on this web site explain in detail how you can support this unique and worthwhile charity by contributing bird records or joining as a member of the Trust or by making a donation. The BTO is also registered as a company in England and Wales, number 357284. You can copy and paste this number to view our entry at Companies House.

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