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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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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Upland
Our research in upland systems focuses on understanding the changes in bird populations and their habitats.
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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
Using science to find practical solutions to the most pressing conservation problems
Working with us
Publications
Conservation Science Awards
The RSPBs three annual awards to recognise and celebrate excellence in conservation science.
The State of the UK's Birds
Latest blog posts
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Tracking Bristol's starlings: an update
Blog post by Vivien Hartwell, Research Assistant, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. Starlings are one of the UK's fastest declining birds. And we want to know why. Back in May we started a new and innovative project in Bristol that will hopefully...
Posted 10/08/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
The UK Biodiversity Indicators 2018 part 3: Is there any cause for hope?
The latest annual update of the UK’s official biodiversity indicators were recently published. This is the final blog post in our three-part series on these indicators. The first blog post explained what the indicators are, the second what they show ...
Posted 10/08/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
The UK Biodiversity Indicators 2018 part 2: what does this year’s indicator update tell us?
The latest annual update of the UK’s official biodiversity indicators were recently published. In the second of a three-part blog series, Mark Eaton, Principal Conservation Scientist, explains what this year’s update tells us: In the first blog post,...
Posted 09/08/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
The UK Biodiversity Indicators 2018 part 1: what are the indicators?
You may have missed it, but Defra recently published the latest annual update of the UK’s official biodiversity indicators. In the first of a three-part blog series, Mark Eaton, Principal Conservation Scientist, explains what they are... The latest u...
Posted 08/08/2018 by Kevin Middleton
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 4
How are we doing?
We've been making changes and we'd love to know what you think.