About OSME
OSME promotes standardised bird recording, collaboration with local conservation groups, and an annual programme of grants. The society is run entirely by volunteers and is the only ornithological body covering the whole of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Source: OSME About pages.
- Fund practical conservation, research and youth projects
- Publish Sandgrouse with original papers and regional bird news
- Maintain the OSME Region List (ORL)
- Share country profiles and resources for birders
The OSME Region
The OSME Region spans North Africa’s northeast, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Countries and territories include:
See the full map and list on OSME: Region map · Country profiles
Grants & Funding
Conservation Fund
Small grants for conservation and research projects across the OSME Region. Typical awards are £1,000–£3,000. Three decision rounds per year (deadlines: 31 Jan, 31 May, 30 Sep).
Trevor Poyser Species Conservation Fund
Focused on threatened species research. One grant up to £5,000 annually. Usual application deadline: 1 December.
Youth Development Fund
Supports bird camps and education projects for 16–25 year olds led from within the region, typically £1,000–£2,000.
Sandgrouse (Journal)
Sandgrouse publishes original papers and short notes on the birds of the OSME Region, plus conservation news and a round‑up of sightings. From 2023 it is issued twice annually (May/June and Nov/Dec).
OSME Region List (ORL)
The ORL is the evolving checklist of all bird taxa recorded in the Region. It provides a basis for national lists and taxonomic updates.
Join, Renew or Donate
Membership
Members receive two issues of Sandgrouse each year and support conservation. Family and institutional options available.
News & Stories
Contact
Email: info@osme.org
Postal address: OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, United Kingdom
For membership, Sandgrouse and grants enquiries use the form on osme.org/contact-us.