WOS is the national body which aims to unify birdwatchers and ornithologists across the whole of Wales. To do so, we actively support bird conservation in Wales, by funding research and encouraging publication of papers and articles related to birds in Wales. WOS represents affiliated local and county bird clubs and groups with the country agencies and Welsh Government to help conserve birds in Wales. We encourage students to present their studies to a wider body of birders with an annual Student Award. This is presented at our Annual Conference. We also support young and older birders alike, through Small Grants for research and fieldwork.
WOS is the national body which aims to unify birdwatchers and ornithologists across the whole of Wales. to do so, we actively support bird conservation in Wales, by funding research and encouraging publication of papers and articles related to birds in Wales. WOS represents affiliated local and county bird clubs and groups with the country agencies and Welsh Government to help conserve birds in Wales. We encourage students to present their studies to a wider body of birders with an annual Student Award. This is presented at our Annual Conference. We also support young and older birders alike, through Small Grants for research and fieldwork.
The 2026 photo competition again produced some superb pictures, even though entry numbers were down on the last few years. This year all the top prizes in the first two categories were won by female photographers – the first time this has happened.
The annual report has now been published on this website and is available for reading or download for WOS members only. 2025 stood out for six new additions to the Welsh list, three species: Bufflehead, Northern Harrier and Brown Shrike, along with three new subspecies: tundrae race of Ringed Plover, Icelandic race of Merlin and Hornemann’s Arctic Redpoll.
We’ve produced a cracking WOS calendar for 2027, displaying all the prize winning and Highly Commended pictures from the 2026 photo competition. The featured image is the picture for November 2027 – this was a Highly Commended photo from the Birds & People category.
The Autumn 2026 Newsletter has been sent to all members. It’s quite a special edition, including three memorable articles.
This year the AGM will be virtual. Here you will find the agenda and all the linked documents you need to read so that you can register your responses on the voting form that will be sent out shortly.
The 2026 Annual Conference was a sell-out and a great day. There’ll be a full report available soon and also in the Winter 2026 Newsletter.
The 2026 Annual Conference was a sell-out and a great day. There’ll be a full report available soon and also in the Winter 2026 Newsletter.
Conference 2025 brought another full house, with over 150 delegates enjoying a stimulating day of presentations, stalls and displays and the usual excellent Aberystwyth food (all vegetarian this time).