Press Releases - July/August 2007
Item 7

No. 2007/08/65
August 2007

BTO Launches National Bird Atlas Appeal

The British Trust for Ornithology is calling upon businesses to support a million pound project to map the distributions of the UK’s birds.

The British Trust for Ornithology is taking the lead in a four-year project to check on the numbers and distributions of the birds of Britain and Ireland. Over 250 species will be surveyed, including the 40 red-listed and 121 amber-listed species of conservation concern. The BTO is calling on businesses to support the project with sponsorship of species.

The BTO, which is seeking funding for Atlas work across the UK, is looking for sponsorship of between £2,000 and £10,000 for each species, depending upon ‘sex appeal’. It is going to be easier to find a sponsor for the colourful Kingfisher than for the unassuming Dunnock but each offer of support will make a difference.

Some businesses are already working to conserve birds such as Tree Sparrow, Osprey and Twite and it is hoped that these companies will wish to help the BTO to create up-to-date national distributions of their species. For other companies, which have bird names, logos or associations, then here is an opportunity to celebrate the British love of all things avian. There are obvious candidates for Swallow, and Golden Eagle, and how about Bulmers for the Green Woodpecker? Perhaps Gillette should sponsor the Bearded Tit and Billy Connolly could support the Scottish Crossbill?

Jeremy Greenwood, the BTO’s Director said:
“Individual BTO supporters have already made donations and promises totalling £180,000 towards the Bird Atlas Appeal and no doubt many businesses will share their enthusiasm for this nationally important project.”
(see note 3 below about sources of income)

In his introduction to the National Bird Atlas Appeal, the BTO’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh calls for the generous support of ‘many individuals, charitable trusts and sponsors’, whilst the BTO’s President, Barbara Young, emphasises that ‘Bird Atlas 2007-11 will deliver vital evidence for conservation practitioners.’

Kate Aldridge, the BTO’s Fundraiser said:
“We have already had help from Opticron, a leading optical company, who have supported the promotion of the Atlas and the distribution of recording forms to tens of thousands of birdwatchers. I am sure that this is going to be an immensely popular project and I hope that other businesses will be queuing up to bid for their favourite species.”

Please see over for notes for editors

Notes for Editors

1. Bird Atlas 2007-11 will cover the whole of Britain and Ireland during the winter and breeding season. The British Trust for Ornithology will be working in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland and the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club. BTO is seeking funding for the work across the whole of the UK and BirdWatch Ireland is taking responsibility for Ireland. Fieldwork will start on 1 November 2007 and will continue through to 2011.
2. For more information about Bird Atlas 2007-11, visit http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/about.htm
3. BTO members and individual supporters have already promised £180,000 for Bird Atlas 2007-11. Other funding includes a legacy of £250,000 from Joy Danter (a keen BTO member), £50,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, £20,000 from the J&JR Wilson Charitable Trust and £10,000 from the Mercers’ Company.
4. Images are freely available for use in association with this press release. Please contact to request an electronic version. Please quote reference number 2007/08/65
5. The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews.

For further information please contact:

Kate Aldridge (Fundraiser) on 01842 750050 or e-mail: (during office hours)

Paul Stancliffe (Press Officer) on 01842 750050 or e-mail: (during office hours)

Dawn Balmer (Atlas Coordinator) on 01842 750050 or e-mail: (during office hours)

Graham Appleton (Head of Fundraising & Publicity) on 01842 750050 or e-mail: (during office hours)