Wildlife Conservation

Wild Barnacle Goose Welfare: Svalbard Population

Svalbard barnacle geese winter entirely in Scotland, particularly on the Solway Firth. Their welfare across the entire annual cycle depends on both Arctic breeding conditions and Scottish winter habitat.

Key Facts

Svalbard barnacle geese number approximately 44,000 and all winter in Scotland
The entire population uses the Solway Firth as a primary wintering area
Breeding success on Svalbard determines how many birds arrive in Scotland each autumn
Climate change is affecting breeding conditions on Svalbard with complex effects on productivity
The WWT Caerlaverock reserve provides core wintering habitat and monitoring for this population

Welfare Considerations

Svalbard barnacle goose welfare connects the High Arctic to Scottish estuaries. The welfare of this geographically concentrated population requires conservation engagement across the entire flyway.

What You Can Do

Visit WWT Caerlaverock in winter to observe barnacle geese and support conservation
Support WWT barnacle goose monitoring programmes
Advocate for protection of Solway Firth coastal grassland habitat from development