Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have a special relationship.

The BTO was one of the founding supporters of BPOTY and throughout the course of the competition have received funding for research projects, which inspired the creation of the conservation fund that is now administered by Birds on the Brink.

The BTO provides a wealth of knowledge and support to BPOTY throughout the year and Birds on the Brink uses BTO scientific research to campaign on behalf of birds and inform where conservation funding is most needed.

Paul Sterry, founder of BPOTY says: "Much as I love beautiful photographs, I have always known deep down that imagery alone is not enough to change hearts and minds, particularly those of decision-making politicians. If I had to pick a moment when this realisation crystallised it was when an old friend, Andy Clements, was appointed CEO of the British Trust for Ornithology. And if I had to pick an example to illustrate the importance of data, it would be the humble Skylark. Immortalised as part of the bucolic English countryside by the poetry of Shelley, I grew up with the song of the Skylark as my constant childhood companion. But now the species is entirely extirpated from the farming landscape of north Hampshire I know best. The trouble is anecdotal evidence from one person and, by definition, an absence of evidence, means that as an individual I stand no chance of convincing anyone that a problem exists. That’s where trusted and quantified science comes into play, and where imagery can reinforce the arguments both among decision-making politicians as well as decision-influencing members of the public. And that is the real strength of the relationship between BPOTY and BTO."

BPOTY and BTO also recognise that future generations have a crucial role to play in conservation; and that imagery is one important way of celebrating the achievements of the youth of today and promoting awareness to a wider audience. That’s why we already run a separate Young BPOTY award. We want to counter what is sometimes referred to as environmental generational amnesia, and prevent blissful ignorance among younger birders and photographers about what’s already been lost, which is why the work of the BTO is so vital.

Future generations represent the potential for solutions, which is it’s up to us keep reminding them of past environmental glories and failures, to ensure they don’t forget or ignore the issues. All’s not well with the world we live in and in the words of the Lily Allen song ‘It’s really not OK’ to stand by and do nothing.

For more information about the BTO please click here. For more information about the BTO’s Garden BirdWatch initiative please click here.