Get involved in Scotland
By participating in BTO schemes and surveys you can put your birding skills to good use, helping us to understand how Scotland's bird populations are changing and why.
We have a broad range of participation opportunities - you can get involved in your garden, urban greenspace, at wetland sites or while out exploring Scotland's wilder places.
View all current projects or view the list of completed projects.

Breeding Bird Survey
BBS monitors the population changes of 118 breeding bird species across the UK thanks to the dedication of almost 3,000 volunteers who survey their randomly selected 1-km square each spring.
Time / skill needed:

Volunteer Mountain Hare Survey
This project aims to gather much-needed information about Mountain Hares in Scotland. Volunteers record hares and (optionally) upland birds via the Mammal Mapper app or with paper field recording sheets.
Time / skill needed:

Wetland Bird Survey
The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK.
Time / skill needed:

BirdTrack
BirdTrack is a free and convenient way of storing your bird records online. BirdTrack lets you keep up to date with what others are seeing, view the latest trends, and contribute your data to BTO science.
Time / skill needed:

Garden BirdWatch
Help with research into garden wildlife by joining our Garden BirdWatch community.
Time / skill needed:

Nest Record Scheme
Nest Record Scheme participants gather vital information on the breeding success of Britain's birds by following the progress of individual nests.
Time / skill needed:

Bird Ringing Scheme
Bird ringing generates information on the survival, productivity and movements of birds, helping us to understand why populations are changing.
Time / skill needed:

Waterways Breeding Bird Survey
The Waterways Breeding Bird Survey is an annual survey of breeding birds along rivers and canals.
Time / skill needed:
Other ways to take part
Get in contact
Meet our team or find a regional representative to support your participation in surveys.
Meet the BTO Scotland team
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