BirdWatch Ireland is the trading name of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy (IWC), which was formed in 1968 from the merger of three ornithological bodies - the Irish Society for the Protection of Birds (ISPB), the Irish Ornithologists' Club and the Irish Wildfowl Conservancy. Since then, we have grown to become Ireland's largest, most experienced and active independent nature conservation body. We have a network of member branches throughout the country, actively promoting the importance of birds and their habitats.

The key aims of BirdWatch Ireland are:

• Maintain and, where possible, improve the conservation status of all Irish bird species.
• Prevent the extinction of any Irish bird species in the wild.
• Conserve, and where appropriate, improve and enlarge sites and habitats important for birds.
• Help through birds, to conserve biodiversity (other wildlife) and thereby improve the quality of people's lives.
• Integrate nature conservation with sustainable development.
• Educate and promote awareness of our birdlife and habitats.