Aims of BOC

The Bristol Ornithological Club (BOC) was founded, in 1966, and a Charity 1205862 in 2023.

Great Crested Grebe

  • To promote, and encourage the study of ornithology in all its branches in the Bristol and district area.
  • To hold regular outdoor meetings and longer holiday trips throughout the year and winter indoor meetings.
  • To publish; a monthly bulletin Bird News; annually, the Avon Bird Report (in conjunction with Bristol Naturalists’ Society); occasionally a journal Bristol Ornithology* and other submissions deemed appropriate by the General Committee. All publications may be in an electronic format.
  • Helping and encouraging those new to bird watching (birding) by sharing knowledge and identification skills.
  • Supporting and assisting conservation projects through active co-operation with local organisations and national ornithological bodies e.g. Bristol Naturalists’ Society, Bristol Water, Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO.
  • Promoting field research through co-operative and individual studies.
  • Creating and updating a Club web site to promote the Club’s activities and to facilitate and widen birding activities more generally

* (*Bristol Ornithology will take the form of papers and short notes by members.)


Our  Constitution and Policies


General Committee for 2024

  • Chairman – Alastair Fraser
  • Secretary – Gareth Roberts
  • Treasurer – Keith Williams
  • Membership Secretary – Judy Copeland
Elected members

Graham Blacker, Di Bunniss, Alan Craddock, Jane Cummings, Geoff Hardman, Nick Hawkridge, Alison Hooper, Mike Jackson, Robin Martin, Linda Moysey

Co-opted member

Robert Hargreaves

If you would like to be considered for the committee, or are willing to help on a co-opted basis, drop us a line via the contact us page.

The Aims of the Club

Great Crested Grebe

  • To promote, and encourage the study of ornithology in all its branches in the Bristol and district area.
  • To hold regular outdoor meetings and longer holiday trips throughout the year and winter indoor meetings.
  • To publish; a monthly bulletin Bird News; annually, the Avon Bird Report (in conjunction with Bristol Naturalists’ Society); occasionally a journal Bristol Ornithology* and other submissions deemed appropriate by the General Committee. All publications may be in an electronic format.
  • Helping and encouraging those new to bird watching (birding) by sharing knowledge and identification skills.
  • Supporting and assisting conservation projects through active co-operation with local organisations and national ornithological bodies e.g. Bristol Naturalists’ Society, Bristol Water, Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO.
  • Promoting field research through co-operative and individual studies.
  • Creating and updating a Club web site to promote the Club’s activities and to facilitate and widen birding activities more generally

* (*Bristol Ornithology will take the form of papers and short notes by members.)