The Welsh Ornithological Society, WOS, is the only Wales based organisation working to promote the conservation of birds in Wales. While some of our activities take place across the whole of the country, we recognise the importance of local involvement to improve habitats on a smaller scale. These community-based activities can have a lasting impact on birds, and other wildlife, in the local area.

Community Grant value: Up to £1,000, or 75% of the total cost of the project, whichever is the smaller amount.

The criteria for projects which we are able to consider for funding:

• Projects focussing on community involvement to improve habitats for birds.
• Projects that aim to have a long-term benefit for birds and the community.
• Where practical, preference will be given to projects where at least one of the partners is in membership of a conservation organisation such as Wildlife Trust, Bird Club, etc.

Projects funded in the 2024 rounds of applications:

• Habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring in an ancient woodland in north
  Cardiff. The project aims to harness community involvement in restoring and protecting the woodland
  at Coed Ty Llwyd, improving the habitat for wildlife, and providing opportunities for education and
  research. £650 was awarded.
• Gower Ringing Group annual ringing course. Gower Ringing Group’s annual
  ringing course is aimed at enabling ringers to be independently assessed for permits and further
  endorsements. Most attendees are from Wales, and a key aim is to increase the number of licensed
  ringers in Wales. BTO funds to cover petrol and other sundry expenses for visiting trainers were
  withdrawn a few years ago. Gower Ringing Group have raised the course fees to partially redress the
  shortfall, but have made a loss on the course in recent years. £820 was awarded.

• Canolfan yr Urdd Pentre Ifan. A project aimed at enhancing community engagement in bird conservation, focusing on red and amber-listed species in the SSSI and SAC areas of Pentre Ifan, Tŷ Canol, and the Preseli region of Pembrokeshire, including collaboration with local schools to build, erect, and monitor nest boxes. A grant of £750 was awarded.

• Wenvoe Wildlife Group. A project aiming to increase nest availability for birds across Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, and getting different sections of the community involved in local conservations efforts, including working with a local farm to provide Swift and Swallow nesting opportunity and placing nest boxes targeting smaller passerines across the village. A grant of £650 was awarded.

 The types of project which can be funded:

• In 2022 we funded a nestbox scheme in the National Botanic Gardens of Wales in Carmarthenshire, involving community engagement.
• Making, siting and monitoring of nest boxes in public gardens, parks or school grounds.
• Creation of mixed hedgerows to provide food and shelter for birds.
• Improvements to or creation of ponds or other water course.
• Erection of information boards showing birds and other wildlife of a public space.

Conditions of Funding:

• Any publicity, including press releases, should include mention of support from the Welsh Ornithological Society, including the logo. You can find this at https://birdsin.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WOS-LOGO-LONG-VERSION-Small.jpg. An ‘End of Project Report’ will be required on a form which will be sent to Your report can include photographs.

Before applying:

• Your application must then be made using the application form, which is available (see downloads below) in PDF or Word format.
• If you need help with your application, then you might want to start with an ‘expression of interest’ to discuss with the Grants Panel before submitting a full application.
• The deadline for completed applications for the first window is 30 June 2025 and for the second window 31 December 2025.

Downloads:

• Community Grant Application form (PDF)
• Community Grant Application form (Word)