Undertaking bird surveying with BTO is a great way of learning more about the birds and other wildlife in your local area. Surveying often takes you to areas that you would not normally visit, creating excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge.
Projects, surveys and schemes
BTO organises a range of projects, surveys and schemes every year which vary in their geographical range and complexity. Some surveys can be done by beginners from the comfort of their own homes whilst others require more skill and endurance! All of our surveys make an important contribution to our understanding of the UK’s birds and nature.
Volunteer for a project
Something for everyone: from monitoring raptors and recording the birds in your garden to helping us track bird migration throughout Britain and Ireland.
Volunteer stories
Find out what other people value about volunteering: read Anna Reid's story about taking part in Atlas recording and the memorable moments it left her with.
An amazing opportunity
Volunteering also provides you with a range of opportunities to develop other skills such as map reading and habitat identification. Each region has its own BTO Regional Representative responsible for organising and overseeing surveys within that region.
Regional Reps help to organise regional conferences at which volunteers can meet and share experiences. These also provide an opportunity to meet and chat to BTO staff who organise surveys nationally. Volunteers receive updates on the results of the surveys they have participated in and how these results are being used.
BTO also runs regular training events and courses to help inexperienced volunteers develop their skills and confidence so that they may participate in more challenging surveys. The real benefit of course is that you are contributing to the conservation of our birds and nature.
Volunteer as a Regional Rep
Our Regional Reps represent BTO at a regional level as part of our Regional Network, and act as the first point of contact for their local volunteer surveyors.
Develop your skills
Need help with brushing up on bird ID? Our training courses help inexperienced volunteers develop their skills, and build up knowledge and confidence.
