Every 20 years or so volunteer birdwatchers carry out a complete stock-take of the birds of Britain and Ireland for the Bird Atlas.
Bird Atlas 2007–11 was one of the most ambitious volunteer projects ever undertaken, mapping birds in both winter and the breeding season from every inch of Britain and Ireland. The fieldwork is now complete and we are keen to make the most of the data collected. BTO aims to go 'Beyond the Maps' to investigate the changes highlighted by Bird Atlas.
- Bird Atlas was a partnership between BTO, BirdWatch Ireland and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club.
Discover how the data are being used now for direct conservation work in the UK, and read about BirdWatch Ireland's work.
Contact us about Bird Atlas 2007–11
- birdatlas@bto.org
Project timeline
- November 2007 - 40,000 volunteers begin atlas surveying
- September 2011 - Survey work completed
- November 2013 - Printed atlases arrive
Contributions and findings
- Over the last 40 years, the British breeding ranges of 37% of species have contracted, whereas 38% have expanded to new areas.
- In Ireland, 47% have contracted and 18% expanded.
- 13 species, including Cuckoo, Swallow and Bullfinch, have increased in Ireland and northern Britain but decreased in lowland Britain.
Bird Atlas Mapstore
For the first time, you can now browse maps for all the bird species from these atlases.
Beyond the maps
Beyond the Maps is an ambitious two-year programme of scientific research. Please help by making a donation today.
Bird Atlas 2007–11
The definitive statement on breeding and winter bird distributions in Britain and Ireland.
