Free Events

We run a variety of events each year, most of which are organised and led by our Youth Representatives or the Youth Advisory Panel. BTO Youth events are always free.

Our events include:

• Guided walks and talks (see our youth events page)
• Annual Bird Camps
• The Youth in Nature Summit
• The Young Leaders Course

Funding for Equipment and Volunteering

Birdwatching can be expensive, but we believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier for young people.

That’s why we offer:

• The Young Bird Observatory Visitors Programme - This scheme provides grants of up to £250 for young people gaining work experience at Bird Observatories.
• The Equipment Donation Scheme - This initiative provides second-hand scopes, binoculars, and other equipment to young people and schools without access to their own.

Work Experience

Young Leaders Course 2025 is now open for applications!

"Overall the programme is amazing. I enjoyed going out to see a Buzzard and the walk across the Nunnery Lakes the most. But writing the scientific journal was also interesting because of all the new information I learned. Thank you everyone for making my time at BTO awesome!"

If you are interested in a career in conservation or ornithology, doing work experience at BTO can be a great fit for you. We offer a one-week programme once a year, for young people currently studying for their GCSEs or A-levels, aged 12 and up. 

• If you are interested, you can find out more information and apply through our Work Experience Application Pack.
• Please complete your application form and return to youth@bto.org before the deadline of 11.59pm Sunday 2nd March to ensure a review.
• You can also email youth@bto.org with any questions you might have. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer places to everyone who contacts us, but we will reply to all enquiries.

BTO Journal of Work Experience

Read the latest issue:

• BTO Journal of Work Experience Vol. 3 - July 2023

Previous issues

• BTO Journal of Work Experience Vol. 2 - March 2023
• BTO Journal of Work Experience Vol. 1 - July 2022

Resources and Learning

We offer a range of online resources to help you learn, connect with nature and birds, and explore what BTO Youth does.

• BTO Youth Blog - Read about how other young people experience and access nature.
• YouTube Series - Watch Birding 101 and Nature Natters for tips and insights.
• BTO Youth Survey 2020 - Discover what young people told us about the support they need.

Strategy, Conduct and Safeguarding

At BTO Youth, safeguarding young people and amplifying their voices is at the heart of everything we do.

The BTO Youth Engagement Strategy 2023–2028, written and led by the Youth Advisory Panel, ensures our values guide all our work.

Our Safeguarding Policy and Youth Code of Conduct help keep children, young people, and staff safe, and we expect everyone engaging with BTO Youth to follow them.

Get in touch