Breeding Birds
Breeding Bird Survey
Project Summary
The Breeding Bird Survey is a national volunteer project aimed at keeping track of changes in the breeding populations of widespread bird species in the UK. Find out how to take part.
Need to know
- Start Date: 28/05/2025
- End Date: 31/12/2025
- County: National
- Organisation Name: British Trust for Ornithology
- Project Category: Species surveys
Project Description
You don’t need to be an expert to take part, but you need to be able to identify the common birds you are likely to encounter on a BBS square near you, by sight and sound. However note that upland squares typically contain smaller numbers of birds, of fewer species, and are a high priority for increased volunteer coverage. The BTO also runs a number of training courses.
Sign Up Information
Project Link: https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/bbs/taking-part
Project Contact Email: recruitment@bto.org
To get started, please browse our map of BBS squares. There are highlighted 10-km squares containing the 1-km Breeding Bird Survey squares. You can navigate using the onscreen controls or by selecting a BTO Region from the dropdown box on the top right. To register your interest in surveying in an area:
Project Contact Email: recruitment@bto.org
To get started, please browse our map of BBS squares. There are highlighted 10-km squares containing the 1-km Breeding Bird Survey squares. You can navigate using the onscreen controls or by selecting a BTO Region from the dropdown box on the top right. To register your interest in surveying in an area:
- Select a 10-km square on the map.
- Complete the form that will appear - this will send an email to the RO for that 10-km square.
- The RO will get in contact to talk to you about the survey and squares available before allocating a suitable square.
- Once allocated the square, the RO will send you the relevant recording forms.
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