Each year we present awards to celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions to ornithology. We do this through a series of medals and awards, each reflecting a particular contribution to our work, as well as wider ornithological endeavour.
- Read about each award then nominate a candidate by 31 May.
2025 award winners
- Marsh Award for Ornithology: Dr. Rob Thomas
- Marsh Award for Local Ornithology: Hampshire Ornithological Society
- Marsh Award for Young Ornithologist: Ramandeep Nijjar
- Bernard Tucker Medal: Colin McShane
- Jubilee Medal: Heather Coats
- Dilys Breese Medal: Julian Hughes
Learn more about the achievements celebrated by the awards.
About the awards
Read about the different awards then fill in the form to nominate a candidate by 31 May. You can fill in the form more than once if you wish to nominate more than one individual.
The Bernard Tucker Medal
Awarded in memory of Bernard Tucker, this medal recognises outstanding contributions to BTO’s scientific work.
The Jubilee Medal
The Jubilee Medal is awarded to individuals who have shown outstanding and committed devotion to BTO and its work.
The Dilys Breese Medal
Dilys Breese, a former Vice President of BTO, was a renowned radio and television producer. This medal is awarded to an outstanding communicator delivering science to new audiences.
The Marsh Awards
The Marsh Awards are supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust and are presented annually by BTO in recognition of outstanding achievements in various areas of ornithology.
Witherby Memorial Lectures
The Witherby Memorial Lecture is an academic lectureship awarded by BTO annually since 1968. It is named in memory of Harry Forbes Witherby, a notable British ornithologist and author who was a founding member of BTO.
- Learn more about the Witherby Memorial Lecture
Nominate a candidate by 31 May
Fill in the form below to nominate a candidate for the 2026 awards by 31 May. You can fill in the form more than once if you wish to nominate more than one individual.