Wildlife

Wild Black-Tailed Godwit Conservation

Black-tailed godwits are rare breeding birds in the UK, dependent on wet grassland management. Conservation efforts have prevented extinction.

Key Facts

UK breeding black-tailed godwit population recovered from fewer than 50 pairs to over 100 pairs
They breed on wet grassland with high water tables and short, grazed sward
RSPB Nene Washes is the most important UK breeding site
Breeding success requires warm, dry spring conditions and effective predator management
Wintering populations from Iceland use UK estuaries in much larger numbers

Welfare Considerations

Black-tailed godwit chicks on wet grassland with inappropriate management fail to find sufficient invertebrate food. Predation of eggs and chicks is a significant welfare and conservation issue. Targeted predator management and water level management that creates optimal breeding conditions directly improves chick welfare and breeding success.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB conservation management of black-tailed godwit breeding sites
Record godwit sightings through BTO BirdTrack and WeBS surveys
Donate to wet grassland restoration that creates godwit breeding habitat