Centre for Conservation Science
We do this by identifying the most important problems, discovering their possible causes, testing potential solutions to those causes and ensuring that they work when implemented. We work both throughout the UK and overseas alongside a wide range of funders and partners.
What we do
Featured research
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![RSPB Nene Washes Nature Reserve, reintroducing the Corncrake Crex crex to the reserve, Cambridgeshire]()
UK Species
We identify species of greatest conservation concern from surveys and monitoring. Subsequent research often aims to identify causes of population declines and test potential solutions.
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![Male Ring Ouzel, Turdus torquatus. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.]()
Upland
Our research in upland systems focuses on understanding the changes in bird populations and their habitats.
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![RSPB's Hope farm, at the time of the wheat harvest, Knapwell, Cambridgeshire]()
Agriculture
To address continuing agricultural change and the pressures it places on wildlife, we operate a large and varied research and monitoring programme across all types of UK farmland.
Meet the team
Publications
Latest posts - saving species
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Fencing for safeguarding waders?
The main driver behind the decline of our beloved meadow birds in many parts of Europe is insufficient breeding success as a result of high levels of predation. Fewer chicks fledged means fewer become breeding birds themselves, reducing population si...
Posted 24/05/2022 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
We’re hiring! Join the RSPB's Centre for Conservation Science
The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is responsible for the science that informs delivery of the RSPB’s conservation programmes for species, habitats and landscapes. Whether it’s working out how to recover a species on the verge of extinction, or...
Posted 19/05/2022 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
Decline of Leach’s Storm Petrels in the north-east Atlantic
A new open access scientific paper has been published in The Seabird Group’s journal, Seabird, describing surveys of the biggest Leach’s storm petrel colonies in the north-east Atlantic. Conservation Scientist and lead author, Zoe Deakin explains in ...
Posted 21/04/2022 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
Collision hotspots for migrating birds revealed in new study
New research published today highlights the areas in Europe and North Africa where the construction of wind turbines or power lines is likely to increase the risk of death for migrating birds. The study used GPS location data from 65 bird tracking st...
Posted 06/04/2022 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers
Conservation Science Awards
The RSPBs three annual awards to recognise and celebrate excellence in conservation science.
The State of the UK's Birds
Downloads
The State of Nature in the UK and its Overseas Territories. PDF, 8.3Mb
State of Nature 2016The SUKB report, is a one-stop shop for all the latest results from annual, periodic and one-off surveys and monitoring programmes. PDF, 2.5Mb
State of the UK's birds 2016The annual report of the Wetland Bird Survey. PDF, 5Mb
Waterbirds in the UK 2014-2015This case study focuses on the evidence available in support of the RSPB's position on renewables. PDF, 542Kb
Case study no 15: Renewable energy and conservation sciencePart of a collection that aims to highlight RSPB science from the last decade. PDF, 389Kb
Case study no 16: Climate change researchUnderstanding woodland bird declines. PDF, 392Kb
Case Study No. 17: Can not see the wood for the trees!The UK's leading bird conservation organisations have worked together to review the status of birds in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. PDF, 1.7Mb
Bird of conservation concern 4Working with us
