The British Ornithologists' Union

Analysis

The British Ornithologists' Union is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Dorset. It was registered in December 1966, 60 years ago. Its declared purposes cover animals and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under animals. It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and sponsors or undertakes research.

In the financial year ending December 2025, The British Ornithologists' Union reported income of £220k and spending of £282k, spending 128% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £183k to £220k (+20%), an average of +4.7% a year. Over the whole period it spent 120% of the income it received.

Among 2,161 England and Wales charities whose main cause is animals and that reported income, The British Ornithologists' Union sits at the 76th percentile: it is larger than about 76% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 82nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (Enfield) (£218k), The Red Foundation (£220k) and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Medway West Branch (£218k).