Press Releases - March/April 2007
Item 10

No. 2007/03/39
March 2007

Best Businesses for Birds 2006

The British Trust for Ornithology has today announced the results of the BTO Business Bird Challenge 2006 – the competition to find the country’s best industrial and commercial sites for birds. An impressive total of 258 species was recorded across the sites by local birdwatchers working with company staff.

The Challenge

The Challenge recognises the sensitive management of industrial sites across the country, which is reflected in the diversity and remarkable number of bird species using these sites. It not only acknowledges the sites attracting the greatest number of bird species but also the amazing work being done by these companies in partnership with their local communities, and the impressive conservation initiatives being employed to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

Over 60 business sites took part in the BTO Business Bird Challenge 2006. The Challenge attracted businesses from a wide range of industries, from aggregate, water and power companies to agricultural, research and commercial.

The entries were divided into ten groups, reflecting the sizes and diversity of participating sites. These were judged under three categories Conservation, Community, and Bird Species.

All the winners should be proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all involved.

The winners of the different categories were as follows:

Announcing these results, Graham Appleton, from the British Trust for Ornithology said:

“Whilst I know that most birdwatchers will want to see which site in each category reported the largest number of bird species, this is only one of the criteria of Challenge success. Birds will not arrive unless there is a suitable habitat and they will not be spotted unless there are birdwatchers to report them. This is why we are also celebrating conservation initiatives and the flourishing partnerships between business and different sectors of the local community.”

Kate Aldridge, the Challenge organiser for the British Trust for Ornithology said:

“We have been genuinely impressed by the initiatives, teamwork and sheer hard work of the participants in this year’s Challenge. It is vital to encourage and recognize environmental efforts by businesses and the Challenge provides the perfect opportunity to do so.”

Please see notes for editors overleaf

Notes for editors

Results table

For further information please contact:

British Trust for Ornithology
Graham Appleton on 01842 750050 or e-mail: