Wildlife Conservation

Wild Bittern Boom and Population Growth

The male bittern's booming call is one of the most distinctive sounds of UK reedbeds. Population growth has enabled the boom to be heard at an increasing number of sites across England.

Key Facts

The bittern's boom can be heard up to two kilometres in favourable conditions
UK booming male counts increased from 11 in 1997 to over 200 by 2020
New reedbed creation at RSPB reserves including Cors Ddyga has expanded the booming male distribution
Bitterns require large, continuous reedbeds with shallow open water for fishing
Climate change threatens reedbed habitats through sea level rise and reduced rainfall

Welfare Considerations

Bittern welfare and population recovery is a conservation success story built on targeted reedbed creation and protection. Maintaining and expanding reedbed habitat protects both individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Visit RSPB bittern reserves in winter and spring to hear the distinctive boom
Support reedbed creation projects through RSPB and Wildlife Trust donations
Advocate for reedbed protection from sea level rise and development