Wildlife

Black-tailed Godwit Welfare and Wetland Restoration

How wetland restoration is transforming black-tailed godwit welfare and breeding success.

Key Facts

Black-tailed godwits nearly went extinct as UK breeders — just 50 pairs remained by the 1990s
Recovery driven by targeted wetland creation in RSPB Nene Washes and Somerset Levels
They probe deeply into soft mud for invertebrates using their long, straight bills
Iceland-breeding godwits winter in the UK in large numbers — a different population

Welfare Considerations

Black-tailed godwit breeding welfare depends on shallow, soft-soiled wet grassland with abundant invertebrates. Water level management that maintains flooding in spring and draws down in summer is critical for nest protection and chick foraging. Welfare-informed wetland management has transformed breeding success at targeted sites — demonstrating that deliberate, species-focused management delivers real welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Visit and support wetland reserves managing habitat for black-tailed godwit
Report sightings to the RSPB and Wildfowl Trust monitoring teams
Advocate for wetland agri-environment payments that restore traditional flood meadow management