The goldeneye is a diving duck that winters on freshwater lochs, reservoirs, and coastal bays in the UK, with a small but increasing breeding population in Scotland.
Goldeneye welfare depends on the availability of clear productive freshwater with abundant invertebrate prey. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff reduces water clarity and invertebrate diversity. Disturbance from boat traffic and recreational activity on wintering water bodies causes repeated flushing. The success of the nest box program in Scotland demonstrates that providing artificial nesting opportunities for hole-nesters whose natural sites are scarce can significantly improve breeding welfare outcomes. Predation of nest box occupants by pine martens requires innovative solutions including predator-proof box designs. The positive trajectory of the Scottish breeding population represents a conservation welfare success story.