Are you a young birder keen to gain hands-on experience at a Bird Observatory? The Young Bird Observatory Visitors (YBOV) Grant, supported by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), helps young people access fieldwork opportunities at Bird Observatories across the UK.
13 February 2026
The grant is open to individuals who are:
Aged 24 or under
In full-time education or currently unemployed
Able to actively take part in fieldwork and Observatory activities
Applicants must arrange a stay of at least four nights at a Bird Observatory during the current year. Confirmation from the Observatory that they can host you will be required (subject to grant approval).
Applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered in three funding rounds:
March
June
September
Funding is available to help cover:
Travel costs
Accommodation costs
(Please note: the grant is administered by BTO, but placements and activities are organised directly with the Observatory.)
Applicants must submit:
Your name, age at the time of your visit, and current occupation
The postcode you will be travelling from
Planned dates and outline itinerary for your stay
Estimated travel and accommodation costs
A short statement outlining:
The skills you hope to develop
How the experience will support your studies or career goals
A reference from one of the following:
A BTO member, volunteer, or ringing trainer
A current or former teacher
A current or former employer
If you are under 18, written parental or guardian consent is required.
Before applying, you should:
Contact your chosen Observatory
Confirm availability for your proposed dates
Discuss what activities you will be involved in
Ensure expectations are clear on both sides
The British Trust for Ornithology is a grant-giving organisation and does not manage Observatory placements directly. Applicants may be asked to provide confirmation of their arranged stay.
Further details, including how to apply and where to arrange placements, can be found via the BTO and Bird Observatories Council (BOC) websites. For specific queries, you can contact BTO at youth@bto.org
