Wildlife

UK Avocet Conservation and Coastal Management

Conservation of avocets in UK coastal and wetland habitats and the management practices supporting their recovery.

Key Facts

Avocets returned as breeding birds to the UK in 1947 at RSPB Minsmere
UK breeding population is around 2,000 pairs, concentrated in eastern England
Avocet-friendly management requires shallow lagoons with islands and low vegetation
Avocets are emblematic of UK conservation success and are the RSPB logo
Coastal flooding and habitat loss threaten future breeding populations

Welfare Considerations

Individual avocets face welfare risks from flooding, predation, and disturbance, with wetland management practices directly determining breeding success.

What You Can Do

Visit RSPB Minsmere and other reserves to see avocet colonies
Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust coastal management programmes
Donate to wetland habitat creation projects for avocets and other wading birds