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
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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Summary of the 9th Annual meeting of Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE)
Today’s blog has been written by RSPB Head of Vulture Programme Chris Bowden, Senior Conservation Scientist John Mallord and Research Assistant Jenny Donelan. Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) is a consortium consisting of 24 organisation...
Posted 29/05/2020 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
The parallel lives of puffins
Today’s blog is by Puffineer volunteer, Ali Barrett Before the lockdown in mid-March, I took a boat trip out to the Farne Islands in the hope of saying "hello" and then "goodbye" to the puffins! Sadly, their four-month visit seems likely to conclude ...
Posted 27/05/2020 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
Birds, Bees and Butter
In today’s blog Juliet Vickery, Head of International Conservation Science, talks about her new paper published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Existing in a world 'on pause' under the covid19 pandemic has certainly heightened awareness of t...
Posted 26/05/2020 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers -
Lockdown library
A well-written book is a wonderful find. They motivate us to feel and can inspire us to make changes in our lives, or comfort us during difficult times. We learn new things, or go on a voyage of rediscovery. They help us feel connected, not just to t...
Posted 22/05/2020 by Vanessa Amaral-Rogers
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