History

In 1931 Max Nicholson, a pioneering environmentalist, ornithologist and internationalist, wrote: "In the United States, Hungary, Holland and elsewhere a clearing-house for research is provided by the state: in this country such a solution would be uncongenial, and we must look for some alternative centre of national scope not imposed from above but built up from below. An experiment on these lines has been undertaken at Oxford since the founding of the Oxford Bird Census in 1927 ... It is intended to put this undertaking on a permanent footing and to build it up as a clearing-house for bird-watching results in this country."

This led to a meeting in February 1932, which in turn led to the foundation of an organisation to develop the Oxford scheme beyond its regional remit. The name British Trust for Ornithology was coined by Max Nicholson, and first used in 1933, Max being one of a group of four ornithologists who set in motion the formation of the Trust. 

The Trust needed a firm financial footing if it was to succeed, and work began to secure this. The prestige of Oxford University, together with the clout of the individuals who put their names to an appeal for funds published in The Times on 1 July 1933, got the ball rolling, but it was Harry Forbes Witherby who made the crucial difference, selling his collection of bird skins to the British Museum and gifting £1,400 to the fledgling organisation. Max Nicholson was the first treasurer, Bernard Tucker the secretary, and Harry Witherby both benefactor and vice-chair.

The rest, as they say, is history. While some of the highlights are captured in this timeline, those interested in a deeper dive will find Enjoying Ornithology, published by Poyser and edited by Ron Hickling, a fascinating read.

The BTO Archives

The BTO Archives hold a unique range of material relating to the work and history of BTO and UK ornithology, as well as personal papers and photographic material from key figures in ornithology and bird photography. They are held at our headquarters in Norfolk and details of what we hold are available in our expanding catalogue. Our website contains further details, and also showcases some of the collections that we hold.