Press and media releases

Press and media releases

Throughout the year we send out press and media releases to individuals and organisations who have signed up to receive these. This page holds details of the press releases posted over the past two years. For press and media enquiries, please email press@bto.org.

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Out for the count: record numbers of volunteer birdwatchers reveal changes in Wales’s breeding birds

A major increase in the number of volunteers taking part in the long-standing BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), has resulted in greater coverage across Wales than ever before. The results show that it is not just numbers of volunteers on the up, as some bird species too are on the rise. However, the new report highlighting the results of the survey, published this week, shows there are also continued declines for many species. BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 60 species in Wales.

PR Ref: 2026-10

09-04-2026

Out for the count: volunteer birdwatchers reveal changes in Northern Ireland’s breeding birds

A new report highlighting the results of the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), published this week, shows that some species in Northern Ireland are bouncing back after years of decline, but there are also continued downturns for many bird species. BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 39 species in Northern Ireland.

PR Ref: 2026-09

09-04-2026

Out for the count: record numbers of volunteer birdwatchers reveal changes in Scotland’s breeding birds

An increase in the number of volunteers taking part in the long-standing BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in the UK, has resulted in impressively high coverage across Scotland. The results show that it is not just numbers of volunteers that are on the up, as some bird species too are on the rise. However, the new report highlighting the results of the survey, published this week, shows there were also continued declines for many species. BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 77 species in Scotland.

PR Ref: 2026-8

09-04-2026

Out for the count: record numbers of volunteer birdwatchers reveal changes in UK’s breeding birds

A notable increase in the number of volunteers taking part in the long-standing BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), has resulted in greater coverage than ever before. A major new report highlighting the results of the BBS, published this week, shows there are continued declines for many species, though positive outcomes for others. BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 119 species.

PR Ref: 2026-7

09-04-2026

New report highlights changes for Northern Ireland’s internationally important seabirds

The 13th annual Northern Ireland Seabird Report has been published today by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). It highlights ongoing concerns for a number of species critically affected by population declines but also celebrates the removal of invasive predators on two Co. Antrim islands, resulting in the return of breeding Manx Shearwaters and Puffins. All but one of the 22 species covered are on the Red or Amber Lists of Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland, something partly explained by the long-term declines highlighted in the report.

PR Ref: 2026-06

27-03-2026