1. THE BTO: AN INTRODUCTION

The aim of this document is to provide a brief overview of the research undertaken by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). It is not absolutely comprehensive and certainly not detailed. Those interested in details of a particular project should contact the Director.

The BTO will promote and encourage the wider understanding, appreciation and conservation of birds through scientific studies using the combined skills and enthusiasm of its members, other birdwatchers and staff. In pursuit of these aims, the Trust will seek to:

• Maintain high scientific and professional standards in all its activities.

• Co-operate with others engaged in relevant research.

• Work constructively with those whose activities impinge upon the conservation of birds and their environment.

• Ensure that its projects widen participants' experience, knowledge and understanding of birds as well as providing enjoyment.

The Trust is funded partly through membership subscriptions and donations and partly through sales of birdwatching and similar equipment, but mainly through contracts and sponsorships. The main contract is with JNCC, on behalf of CCW, EHS, EN and SNH. Other contracts come from a variety of conservation, government, local government, and commercial organisations. Though members' financial support is important, their key role is participation in surveys. On average, for each man-year of staff time in a project there are 10 to 30 man-years of volunteer time. For the funding agencies, our work is therefore extremely cost-effective.

Although the Trust's role is to provide objective scientific information rather than to campaign on issues, much of its work is directed to applied problems, especially wildlife conservation. The types of investigations carried out are mainly those that are appropriate for extensive work by volunteers, which is our unique strength. Where appropriate, we collaborate actively with those who have complementary expertise, such as the statutory conservation agencies (in both Britain and Ireland), RSPB, WWT, ITE and other research institutes and universities. Collaborative work with Europe is promoted through our active involvement in EURING and in the European Bird Census Council. We are always seeking opportunities to extend the areas of collaboration.

Research staff are, for administrative convenience, grouped into Habitats Research and Populations Research Departments. The former comprises Terrestrial and Wetland & Coastal Ecology Units, while Populations comprises Ringing, Demography and Census Units (plus Information Systems). Garden bird surveys fall within the Membership & Development Department.

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