Welsh birds get a new office

01 Nov 2011 | No. 2011-42

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) recently celebrated the opening of its new Welsh Office in Bangor University, from which it will keep a close eye on the ups and downs of birds in Wales.

With the cutting of a celebratory cake by Professor John Hughes, Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, BTO Cymru opened its offices in the university building. The head of SENRGy, Dr Christine Cahalan, gave a brief speech welcoming BTO to the University and to Wales.

BTO Cymru has two permanent staff members: Wales Development Officer Kelvin Jones and Senior Ecologist Dr Rachel Taylor, who joined BTO at the beginning of October. During the opening they were pleased to welcome several members of University staff along with old and new friends from Countryside Council for Wales, RSPB, CEH, BSBI, Snowdonia National Park, Radio Cymru and Herald Cymraeg, alongside some of BTO's volunteer Regional Representatives and other enthusiastic volunteer data recorders on whom so much of BTO's nationally important work depends. We were also honoured by a visit from Mr Peter Hope-Jones, whose lifetime contribution to Welsh ornithology is second to none.

Rachel said "I am relishing the opportunity to continue building on our existing partnerships in Wales, and to expand BTO's scientific research for the benefit of Welsh birds. Bangor University is the perfect launch pad for this initiative because of the fantastic depth
of knowledge and experience here and its close links with CCW, RSPB and others."

Kelvin added "We have received a very warm welcome here at the University and feel that this is the start of something big, both for the BTO in Wales, and the birds that make Wales their home." 

Notes to Editors

1. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is an independent research institute which partners citizen scientists with professional ornithologists. The aim of the charity is to use evidence of change in wildlife populations, particularly birds, to inform the public, opinion-formers and environmental policy and decision-makers. Their impartiality enables their data and information to be used both by Government and conservation organisations. In addition to their headquarters in Thetford, the charity has an office in Scotland (based in Stirling University) and a BTO Ireland officer. BTO Cymru was officially launched at the Royal Welsh Show, on Wednesday 20th July 2011.

Contact Details

Kelvin Jones
(BTO Wales Development Officer)
Office: 01248 383285
(9am-5.30pm)
Mobile: 07979 713282
Email: kelvin.jones [at] bto.org

Rachel Taylor
(BTO Wales Senior Ecologist)
Office: 01248 383285
Email: rachel.taylor [at] bto.org

Images are available for use alongside this News Release.Please contact images [at] bto.org quoting reference 2011-42

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


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