Fields in Trust

New partner collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology

Posted in Nature & the environment on 4th April 2024

We’re excited to be working on a pilot project looking at the impact parks and green spaces can have on the carbon footprint of the areas they serve - in collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology's 'Birds in Greenspaces' project to understand how our green areas can work better for nature too.

Today (4 April 2024), we are excited to announce that we are starting a new collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). 

BTO will be supporting us as we embark on a new pilot project, funded by The Linder Foundation, looking at the impact parks and green spaces can have on the carbon footprint of the areas they serve.

Over the coming months, we will be working closely with BTO to understand how our parks and green spaces can work better for nature through their amazing 'Birds in Greenspaces' project. Our respective projects will complement one another by sharing key elements and findings to enhance both activities.

‘Birds in Greenspaces’ aims to record the birds using local green spaces - whether a park, playing field, or even cemetery. This project will look to understand the importance of green spaces for UK bird populations and to increase engagement with nature among local communities.

BTO is eager to get as many people as possible involved, so groups and organisations are invited to register their interest - and to help get the word out to others who may also like to get involved.

Designed to be as accessible as possible, 'Birds in Greenspaces' is open to people of all experience levels, including those who are complete birdwatching beginners and want to learn about the birds around them. 

Volunteers will be able to choose from a range of sites in cities, towns, and villages throughout the UK that can be accessed on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.

If you are part of a group or organisation that would be interested in getting involved, please register your interest using this link, or get in touch via email at [email protected].

Public registration will open later in 2024, with ‘Birds in Greenspaces’ launching fully in 2025.

Our partnership with the experts at BTO will enable us to learn more about the value and benefits that our parks and greenspaces provide. By working together through our complementary projects, we will be able to learn more about how hard our parks are working for us by offsetting carbon emissions and providing valuable habitats for wildlife.

To stay up to date with progress over the coming months, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter. 

Image credit: Sarah Kelman | The British Trust for Ornithology