Eighty years and counting!
01 Jul 2013 | No. 2013-22
Eighty years ago, on 1 July 1933, a group of birdwatchers wrote to the editor of The Times, announcing the formation of The British Trust for Ornithology and asking for public support for “a scheme of research over an initial period of five years.” The original article can be seen here.
Eighty years on and the BTO has gone from strength to strength. With its band of dedicated volunteers across the UK it has, amongst other things, published national atlases, provided evidence of climate change (through the advancement of breeding seasons), advised on major planning proposals and helped to formulate farm payment plans, to support birds such as Skylark. Through ringing, it has followed British birds such as Arctic Tern, Manx Shearwater, Swallow, Tufted Duck and Knot to Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Siberia and Canada, and it can now use satellites to plot the day-to-day movements of Cuckoos. To see more of the research carried out over the years please visit www.bto.org
Andy Clements, Director of the BTO commented, “A huge amount has happened in the eighty-year lifetime of the BTO. Whilst the life expectancy of a man has increased from 53 to 78 and that for a woman from 60 to 81, much of our bird life has fared rather less well. Throughout this period our members, whether amateurs or professionals, have helped to shed light on the issues facing Britain’s birds and the habitats we share with them.”
He added, “From tiny acorns mighty oaks grow and, since that letter in 1933, the BTO has been a national and international success; we are grateful to The Times for the far-sighted endorsement of the appeal of eighty years ago. We hope that birdwatchers will continue to support us for many years to come.”
Notes for Editors
- A copy of the original letter to The Times can be seen here
For a Brief history of the BTO
http://www.bto.org/about-bto/history/1933-53
http://www.bto.org/about-bto/history/1953-73
http://www.bto.org/about-bto/history/1973-93
http://www.bto.org/about-bto/history/1993-2013
http://www.bto.org/about-bto/history/2013-33 - The BTO is the UK's leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to the BTO's surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. The BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Thetford, Stirling, Bangor (Wales) and Bangor (Northern Ireland), who analyse and publicise the results of surveys and projects. The BTO's work is funded by BTO supporters, government, trusts, industry and conservation organisations. www.bto.org
Contact Details
Paul Stancliffe
(BTO Media Manager)
Office: 01842 750050
(9am to 5.30pm)
Mobile: 07585 440910 (anytime)
Email: press [at] bto.org
Images are available for use alongside this News Release.
Please contact images [at] bto.org quoting reference 2013-22
The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews.
Please contact us to book an interview Office: 01842 750050
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