Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre
Operates at Portland Bill a bird observatory and field centre for the study of bird migration and other aspects of the natural history of the Isle of Portland; publishes and distributes useful results of this work; promotes and participates in the conservation of the natural environment of the Isle of Portland; preserves and maintains the historic building known as the Old Lower Light.
Activities & Mission
Operates at Portland Bill a bird observatory and field centre for the study of bird migration and other aspects of the natural history of the Isle of Portland; publishes and distributes useful results of this work; promotes and participates in the conservation of the natural environment of the Isle of Portland; preserves and maintains the historic building known as the Old Lower Light.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 18% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 392). How is this calculated?
Higher than 100% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 89% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2018 — The Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre (organisation 211630)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £193,783 | £291,703 | 0 / 500 | |||
| 2023 | £580,686 | £132,077 | £132,077 | £3,566,203 | £1,860,032 | 2 / 250 |
| 2022 | £237,799 | £210,452 | 0 / 500 | |||
| 2021 | £110,215 | £84,220 | 0 / 1000 | |||
| 2020 | £88,155 | £124,374 | 0 / 1000 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre
What does Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre do?
Operates at Portland Bill a bird observatory and field centre for the study of bird migration and other aspects of the natural history of the Isle of Portland; publishes and distributes useful results of this work; promotes and participates in the conservation of the natural environment of the Isle of Portland; preserves and maintains the historic building known as the Old Lower Light.
How much income did Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre report in 2024?
Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre reported total income of £194k and reported expenditure of £292k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre?
Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre has a program ratio of 22.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 18% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 392 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre registered as a charity?
Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 28 October 2015 as charity number 1164156. It has been registered for 11 years.
Who runs Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre?
Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre is governed by a board of 12 trustees. The chair of trustees is PETER JOHN MORGAN. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre operate?
Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre operates in Dorset, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre a registered charity?
Yes — Portland Bird Observatory And Field Centre is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1164156.
Details
PORTLAND BILL
PORTLAND
DORSET
DT5 2JT
Registry Information
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Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated