Wildlife

UK Common Pochard Conservation and Diving Ducks

Conservation of pochards and other diving ducks in UK wetlands and the welfare challenges they face.

Key Facts

Common pochard populations have declined dramatically across Europe and the UK
UK breeding pairs number fewer than 50, with winter visitors from continental Europe
Lowland lakes with submerged aquatic vegetation are primary habitat
Female pochards in particular are severely impacted by population declines
Restoration of lowland lakes and control of non-native species can support pochard recovery

Welfare Considerations

Individual pochards face welfare pressures from habitat loss and food shortage in declining lakes, with wetland restoration delivering direct welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust pochard conservation programmes
Advocate for lowland lake restoration in wetland conservation planning
Visit WWT reserves to see wintering pochards and support conservation through admission fees