Wiltshire Ornithological Society was formed on November 30th, 1974, and has grown in recent years to more than 500 members.
Our mission is to encourage and pursue the study, recording and conservation of birds in Wiltshire.
One outstanding achievement is the production of Birds of Wiltshire, published 2007, a complete avifauna and a definitive work on Wiltshire’s birds. This publication received Second Prize in the BTO / British Birds Best Bird Book of the Year Award in 2008.
WOS contributed to the BTO Atlas Survey, 2007-2011. This work enabled us to gain up to date knowledge of bird populations and distribution in Wiltshire. The Wiltshire Tetrad Atlas can be found on this website under Atlas System.
To help us build detailed records, members and non-members are invited to send their bird sightings to the County Recorder.
Bird conservation is an absolute priority for the Society. Wiltshire’s chalk downlands and wide-ranging grasslands provide excellent habitat for Stone- curlew, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Quail and there are significant breeding populations of these species. We promote the conservation of Tree Sparrows through nestbox and feeding schemes, working closely with other organisations and sharing our expertise with other counties. We also monitor Barn Owl and raptor numbers and provide breeding rafts for Common Terns.
We always welcome new members whatever their experience or ability. We particularly encourage juniors to join so that they may develop a lifetime interest in birds.