The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is once again asking the nation’s birding communities to help find and nominate local birders, ornithologists and regional bird clubs who deserve to be recognised for their contributions in furthering knowledge of the UK’s birds. 

Are you aware of an enthusiastic individual who has spent countless hours, tirelessly surveying or ringing birds in your local area? Perhaps your local bird club published an atlas of the birds of your region, that will inform future generations? Are you familiar with an outstanding young birdwatcher who is making significant contributions to ornithology?

BTO is reaching out to birders across the UK and asking them to nominate potential worthy winners for the 2026 Marsh Awards!

As ever, there are three main categories where you can propose nominees for consideration. Collectively, these are known as the Marsh Awards and they are supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust and presented by BTO at the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) Natural Eye exhibition at Mall Galleries in London in the autumn.   

The categories are:

Marsh Award for Ornithology – This is awarded to an individual or group who has had or is likely to have a significant impact in science, policy, practice, innovation, communication or engagement in the field of ornithology and particularly in relation to the UK’s birds.

Marsh Award for Local Ornithology – Awarded to a bird club or group that publishes a book, completes a study, or conducts any other exceptional activity in the preceding calendar year that advances knowledge about birds or actively connects communities to local birdlife.

Marsh Award for Young Ornithologist – Awarded to an individual (or group of people) under the age of 21 who has made a significant contribution to BTO either by contributing to BTO’s bird monitoring schemes or by spreading awareness of BTO with their peers, or both.

Along with these awards, BTO also recognises individuals who have made notable contributions to ornithology. These include the Dilys Breese Medal, which acknowledges outstanding communication of BTO activities to a wider audience, along with the Bernard Tucker Medal and Jubilee Medal which both celebrate service and devotion to BTO.

Past winners of these awards include Chris Packham, Mary Colwell, Stephen Moss, Jack Baddams, Megan McCubbin, Harriet Mead, and the late Tony Soper.

Ieuan Evans, Director of Engagement at BTO, said “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of bird conservation, making vital contributions to our science, knowledge and understanding. The Marsh Awards for Ornithology give BTO a special opportunity to celebrate these amazing volunteers. We also recognise the achievements of scientists who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing ornithology and conservation. A special partnership between volunteer birdwatchers and professional scientists has been at the heart of BTO's work for almost a century, delivering real-world impact for birds and people in a remarkably cost-effective way.” 

He added, “Please help us to identify the individuals and groups who you think deserve to be celebrated for the contribution they make to birdwatching and ornithology.”  

BTO welcomes nominations from anyone, via a form on the webpage (nominations are now open and will close on 31 May). To find out more, visit www.bto.org/awards