Springwatch celebrity backs Norfolk bird charity

01 Jun 2010 | No. 2010-06-27

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), based in Thetford, today announced the appointment of Springwatch’s Chris Packham as its Vice President.

 
Chris Packham and Andy Clements

The BTO are proud to welcome Chris Packham as the Trust’s Vice President. Chris, famous for his science geek pieces on Springwatch, has shown that nature and science go hand in hand and this is something the Trust has promoted since its formation in 1933. Over 30,000 volunteer birdwatchers take part in a variety of BTO surveys throughout the year to collect information on the nation’s birds.

Information is collected on all of Britain’s birds and continually added to the Trust’s database, which now has in excess of 100 million records, from Goldcrests to Golden Eagles. Records drawn from this wealth of data have helped conserve Britain’s birds in the past, continue to help conserve them now and will be used to help inform conservation action to secure their future.

Chris has been watching birds for over thirty years, having been inspired by his secondary school biology teacher. From his early days as a youngster watching birds in and around the Itchen Valley in Hampshire, Chris has travelled the world in search of birds and wildlife but is still excited by Britain’s birds and in helping to secure their future.

Chris Packham, commented, “I am delighted to take up the position of Vice President for the BTO. Everyone can help safeguard the future of our birds by making sure that decisions affecting their environment are based on sound, unbiased science. Sending their birdwatching records to the BTO can help make this happen.” He added, “Birdwatchers make an enormous contribution to our knowledge of bird populations in this country and it is through the BTO that the biggest contribution is made.”

Andy Clements, Director of the BTO said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Chris to the BTO. He is the perfect ambassador for the Trust. Chris understands the importance of getting people involved in scientific research, taking part in real citizen science, and the BTO surveys are a great way to get involved, from recording birds in gardens to getting out to the wilder parts of the country. There is a survey for everyone.”

To find out how you can get involved, please visit www.bto.org

Notes for Editors

  1. The BTO is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Over thirty thousand birdwatchers contribute to the BTO’s surveys. They collect information that forms the basis of conservation action in the UK. The BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Norfolk and Stirling, who analyse and publicise the results of project work. The BTO’s investigations are funded by government, industry and conservation organisations.

Contact information 

Paul Stancliffe (BTO Press Officer)
Office: 01842 750050 (9am to 5.30pm)
Mobile: 07845 900559 (anytime)
Email: press [at] bto.org

Images are available for use alongside this News Release
Please contact images [at] bto.org quoting reference 2010-06-27

The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews
Please contact us to book an interview
Office: 01842 750050


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