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.
Once again WOS will be running a photo competition in 2026. This will be the seventh year of the competition and we expect a total of between 150 and 200 entries. If past years are anything to go by, shortlisting will be very challenging!
Who do you think should receive a WOS Lifetime Achievement Award? It’s time to think of preparing a nomination – these have to be with the Chair by 30th June.
The British Trust for Ornithology, BirdWatch Ireland, the RSPB, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and Welsh Ornithological Society have announced a new partnership to begin work on Bird Atlas 2027–31, a project that will provide complete and unrivalled information from every part of Britain and Ireland, telling us which birds are where and how they are doing.
The Welsh Bird Report for 2024 has been published and sent to
Although Milvus is currently available to WOS members only, we are, as usual, making one paper fully available to all and this year it is the important paper on the status of the Hen Harrier in Wales. Click here to read or download it.
The Winter 2025 Newsletter was emailed to members just before Christmas. As usual, it’s packed with news, reviews and reports, features and important membership information. Whilst the full newsletter is only available to members, we make one article available for everyone and this time it’s Anne Brenchley’s feature on her trials and travails with the ‘200 challenge’.
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).
The 2024 conference took place at Aberystwyth University and broke records for attendance, with a vibrant buzz through the whole day.