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Project Grants

Welsh Ornithological Society

We can only help support Wales’ birds if we understand where and how they live. Conservation work based on well-disseminated, good quality research work is crucial, and we are fortunate in the UK that such activities are undertaken by both professional organisations and expert, unpaid volunteers.

In order to support such work, WOS offers Project Grants. For 2024 we are  offering grants of up to  £1000 (more in exceptional circumstances) towards projects that will be of benefit to birds in Wales, with further continuation funding a possibility. Priority will be given to species of conservation concern – e.g. BOCCC4 red or amber listed. In the first instance we would be particularly interested in studies of Kestrel, Water Rail, Rock Pipit and Yellowhammer.

We have awarded three grants in the most recent round of applications (December 2023) and details will appear here shortly. Recent projects funded include (2019) for studies on Little Terns and Hawfinches and in 2020 one grant was awarded, to support a Swift project, but this proved impossible to implement, because of COVID restrictions. In 2021 we awarded three grants: (1) the effectiveness of remote audio units (AudioMoths) to detect scarce woodland birds, especially Hawfinches. (2) a detailed study of the breeding ecology of the Tree Pipit in Blaengarw, East Glamorgan. (3) thermal imaging technology to support nest recording and ringing in East Glamorgan. 

Each year will have two application rounds: 30th June and 31st December, with funding decisions made by the Grants Panel in July and January respectively.

Grants will be made in two parts: half before the project and half upon receipt of a report on the work.

Before applying:

  • Please read the background notes which are available from the downloads below. 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. Rachel Taylor (WOS Council) of BTO Cymru) holds monthly Zoom sessions which you may find helpful in developing your ideas and plans.
  • The deadline for completed applications for the first window is 30 June 2024 and for the second window 31 December 2024. 

Downloads

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