UK Wildlife

Breeding Bird Survey and Wildlife Monitoring

The BTO Breeding Bird Survey and similar citizen science schemes provide essential long-term population data that underpins conservation and welfare evidence-based policy.

Key Facts

BTO Breeding Bird Survey has monitored UK farmland and woodland birds since 1994
Thousands of volunteer surveyors cover randomly selected 1km squares nationwide
Data underpins Red and Amber conservation lists that drive conservation funding priorities
Long-term trends from BBS have documented farmland bird declines and some urban recoveries
WeBS Waterbird Survey monitors estuarine and inland waterbird populations through winter

Welfare Considerations

Citizen science monitoring provides essential welfare and conservation evidence at a scale impossible for research institutions to achieve alone. Each volunteer contribution adds to the evidence base that drives policy and funding. Participation in monitoring is a direct welfare contribution.

What You Can Do

Register as a BTO Breeding Bird Survey volunteer to contribute to population monitoring
Participate in BTO Garden BirdWatch to monitor garden bird welfare trends
Contribute to WeBS waterbird counts at local wetlands in winter