Projects

Projects

BTO organises a range of volunteer surveys and projects covering all the major bird species groups in the UK. Many of our volunteering opportunities are suitable for beginners or birdwatchers with little surveying experience, whereas some require more advanced survey methodology and bird identification skills.
 
If you'd like to take part in a project but want to brush up your skills before joining, you can join one of our friendly training courses to help boost your confidence. You can also learn more by reading about our completed projects.

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Bird Ringing Scheme

Bird ringing generates information on the survival, productivity and movements of birds, helping us to understand why populations are changing. Please report ringed birds to us using the Euring app.

Birds in Greenspaces

The BTO Birds in Greenspaces project aims to find out just how important greenspaces are for UK birds, and provide guidance on effective greenspace management for birds and people – and we want your help! 

BirdTrack

BirdTrack is an exciting project that looks at migration movements and distributions of birds throughout Britain and Ireland.

Blackbirds in Gardens

The Blackbirds in Gardens project will help us understand how Blackbirds use gardens, and the potential effects of the Usutu virus on their population in the UK.Update: The 2025 spring survey season began on 13 April and is now live. If you are not an existing Blackbirds in Gardens volunteer, and you would like to join the project, you can sign up now.

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)

The Breeding Bird Survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds.

Cuckoo Tracking Project

Help us track Cuckoos and learn even more about their epic migration: sponsor a cuckoo. Read the latest updates on how our cuckoos are managing their amazing migration from Britain and Ireland to Africa and back again.

Cudyll Cymru – Monitoring Raptors in Wales

Cudyll Cymru is a newly developed scheme which monitors raptors (birds of prey) in Wales. Learn more about the project and its vital work, and find out how to get involved – whatever your skill level and experience. The project officially launches in January 2025, with our trained monitors ready to begin their surveying. Cudyll Cymru – Cymraeg

Cudyll Cymru – Monitoring Raptors in Wales (Cymraeg)

Mae Cudyll Cymru yn gynllun newydd sy’n monitro adar ysglyfaethus yng Nghymru. Dysgwch fwy am y prosiect a’i waith pwysig, a darganfyddwch sut i gymryd rhan – beth bynnag fo lefel eich sgiliau a’ch profiad.Cudyll Cymru – English

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