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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Understanding the decline of cuckoos
Blog post by Prof. Jeremy Wilson, Head of Research in Scotland, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science England’s loss but Scotland’s gain Once part of the soundtrack of an English summer, the call of the cuckoo is now a fading memory for many. We have ...
Posted 13/06/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
Counting curlews in North Wales
Stephen Dodd, Senior Research Assistant, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science talks about working on the Curlew Trial Management Project, which aims to find a solution to stabilise the declining breeding population in the UK. I’m carrying out fieldwo...
Posted 11/06/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
Puffin declines in Shetland - what can you do to help?
Blog post by Ellie Owen, Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science I was really pleased to see the recent article in the Observer giving much-needed attention to the catastrophic declines in seabird numbers in Shetland, one of the ...
Posted 07/06/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
Champions for curlews
Since the 1990s the number of breeding curlews in the UK has halved. Unless we act now this much-loved bird of our uplands and estuaries could vanish from our shores. If we want to save the curlew, then we need to make the government of the UK sit up...
Posted 31/05/2018 by Andre Farrar
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.