Do you have a pair of binoculars you no longer use or a bird guide collecting dust? Donate them to the Equipment Donation Scheme and help support the next generation of conservationists. If you're under 21 or represent a school or university group, you can apply to receive donated optics or identification guides.
About the scheme
The BTO Equipment Donation Scheme (EDS) supports young people across the UK who cannot afford birdwatching equipment and guides. The scheme is managed by BTO Youth and aims to inspire the next generation's passion for birdwatching.
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, EDS has now benefited over 2,300 young people across the UK, ranging from individual budding birders (aged 21 and under) to university clubs, societies and teachers that have an environmental focus.
Thank you so much for donating equipment for Aneeshwar. He really loved them all and he has started to use them for the first time at his favourite place, Bempton Cliffs.
He was trying to spot Puffins, other birds and mainly he was able to see the Black-browed Albatross very closely with binoculars. It was a treat to see his joy and enthusiasm towards the birds.
Donate your pre-loved equipment
Thank you for considering donating your equipment to BTO. The generosity of supporters like you has enabled us to reach over 2,300 young people across the UK, inspiring and empowering them to engage with nature. With applications far outweighing donations, we are constantly looking for more equipment to keep EDS running.
Your donation will go to young people, schools, or university groups who currently lack access to birdwatching equipment.
Applications for donated equipment are reviewed by a panel of staff and Youth Advisory Panel members to ensure the equipment goes to those who will benefit most.
Each recipient will provide feedback on how the equipment has helped them further develop their skills and interests.
If your equipment is particularly valuable, we may ask for your permission to sell it to a trusted reseller. The proceeds will be used to purchase multiple pairs of more affordable binoculars, allowing us to support even more young people.
How to donate equipment
Fill out our Equipment Donation Form, and the BTO Youth team will get in touch soon to discuss your donation.
If you have any questions about the scheme, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at youth@bto.org.
Thank you very much again for the wonderful package we received from you as part of your equipment donation scheme. Today was the first opportunity we had to do some birdwatching! We took a walk into Magherafelt town looking for Swifts. Thankfully it was a successful venture and using your binoculars, we saw several Swifts soaring through the skies. We are looking forward to more birding activities before the end of term.
Equipment Donation Scheme recipients at St Pius X College, County Londonderry
Request equipment
Thank you for your interest in the BTO Equipment Donation Scheme.
We’re redistributing pre-loved equipment, like binoculars and bird guides, to those who currently lack access to them. In some cases, we may also provide new equipment sponsored by corporate partners or individual donors.
Eligibility
The scheme is currently available for:
- Schools from Years 3-13; applications can be made for year groups or school clubs with an environmental focus.
- University clubs and societies with an environmental focus.
- Individuals aged 11-21 who do not already own binoculars or other requested equipment.
In some cases, we can accept applications from other groups (e.g. Scouts, youth groups). If this applies to you, please get in touch via the form. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
We hope to expand the scheme in the future. Please note, the scheme is subject to availability, and we cannot guarantee that the requested equipment will always be available. We are only able to accept applications from the UK.
How to request equipment
To be considered for items through the scheme, please fill out our Equipment Request Form. The BTO Youth team will contact you soon.
If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will need to complete the form on your behalf.
If you’d prefer to apply in another format or have any other questions, please get in touch. You can reach us at youth@bto.org.
With thanks
The Equipment Donation Scheme is kindly supported by Opticron.
Opticron is a family-owned business with over fifty years of experience in consumer optics. In that time, it has met the demands of tens of thousands of people looking for quality, affordable binoculars, a fieldscope or accessory to help them pursue their pastime, hobby or obsession.
Opticron is committed to promoting wildlife and nature observation and conservation and is proud to support the BTO and its Equipment Donation Scheme. The company has helped repair some of the used equipment donated to the scheme and has also supported the purchase of new equipment for onward donation.