Wildlife

Black-Tailed Godwit UK Breeding Welfare

Black-tailed godwits breed in tiny numbers on UK wet meadows, with each breeding pair's welfare critical to the species' precarious UK future.

Key Facts

Only 60-80 pairs breed in UK, mainly in East Anglian wet meadows
UK breeding population has recovered from near-extinction through intensive management
Chick survival depends on wet tussocky grass, open water and invertebrate food
Adults are highly faithful to breeding sites and disturbance is very damaging
Autumn migration to West Africa exposes birds to hunting and habitat loss

Welfare Considerations

Each breeding attempt is precious given the tiny UK population. Welfare threats include predation, disturbance and drying of wet meadows. Intensive site management including predator control is justified given the species' critical status.

What You Can Do

Support WWT and RSPB conservation projects at breeding sites
Avoid disturbance near known breeding locations
Donate to organisations conserving West African wintering habitats
Advocate for wet meadow restoration agri-environment funding