Get Involved! - Support the Tay Ringing Group

The Tay Ringing Group is a Scottish charity that carries out bird ringing and census studies that lead to research publications that will assist practical conservation measures being taken to ensure that bird biodiversity is maintained for future generations. Enthusiastic volunteers carry out this work in Tayside. This work can only be carried out if finances allow and are available for purchasing expensive rings and equipment. The membership and bird food sales are the main avenues of finance for the Tay Ringing Group. Your support to ensure that birdlife is researched and understood with a professional approach is appreciated by you becoming a supporting member of our group.

Associate membership

Can be any person wishing to support the Group but not ring on it's behalf. The membership includes group newsletters, group reports and access to members area of website and of course the satisfaction of supporting the important conservation study work carried out by the group. Further information on our memberships can be obtained on our Membership page or by using our Contact Form.

Buying your bird food from TRG

The Tay Ringing Group supplies only the best quality, toxin free high-energy food for birds and we keep our prices to a minimum so that our local wild birds can benefit from an ample supply of safe bird foods. Please help us to continue our work by ordering and collecting your bird food directly from the Tay Ringing Group. 100% of all profits go directly towards helping birds and wildlife through our conservation fieldwork. For more information click here.

Become a bird ringer

"The skills necessary to become a ringer can only be learnt by practice under the close supervision of experienced ringers; effectively an apprenticeship. Essential skills include the safe and efficient catching and handling of birds, identification, ageing, measuring and record keeping. For this reason, ringers undertake a period of training, generally of one or two years." BTO

Further information on how to become a Bird Ringer can be found at the BTO website. or by contacting us.

Become a nest recorder

Nest recording is one of the simplest BTO projects to take part in, so it is accessible to everyone. It provides an ideal opportunity for you to participate in the conservation of Britain's birds. So, you can monitor a single garden nest box or are carrying out a larger study. Further information on nest recording can be found at the BTO website.

Watch birds

If research is not for you then why not watch birds instead?

"It's one thing watching birds and wildlife on the TV, but it's quite another to get out there and see for yourself." Bill Odie.

Local RSPB reserves, great places to see birds

SWT Protecting Scotlands Wildlife For the Future

SOC Scotlands Bird Club

Wildlife Extra bird watching in Tayside

Create wildlife habitats in your garden

"It is fantastic to see that so many gardeners are welcoming wildlife into their gardens and creating mini-nature havens." Prof. David Bellamy on the Wildlife Garden Safari Survey

Get some handy hints on how to create a wildlife garden here:

BBC

RSPB

SNH

Local Authority

Wildlife gardens in school

The Wildlife Trusts

Survey yourself!

There are many national surveys you can involve yourself, either alone, with friends or as a family. Here are some links to how you can survey yourself.

Garden Bird Feeding Survey

Big Schools Birdwatch

BIG Project Glasgow

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

BTO Garden Birdwatch

Nest Box Challenge