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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Investigating hawfinch declines – project update
Blog post by Will Kirby, Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. Breeding hawfinches in Britain have declined dramatically in recent decades. The last Bird Atlas (Balmer et al. 2013), recorded a 76% reduction in the number of oc...
Posted 12/09/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
Measuring, evaluating and inspiring connection to nature
Blog post by Joelene Hughes, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. Instigating and developing connection to nature in children, teenagers and adults, is seen as critical for the future of nature conservation. But what i...
Posted 07/09/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
The Roseate Tern LIFE project
Blog post by Chantal MacLeod-Nolan, Project Assistant, Roseate Tern LIFE project. The history of roseate terns in the British Isles has been a rocky one. With their plumage prized for fashionable hats, this almost caused them to become extinct in the...
Posted 04/09/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
What next for Scotland’s Arctic skuas?
Arctic skuas may well be heading towards extinction as a breeding species within the UK. That is the stark warning from our recent study, which found that Arctic skuas have declined by 81% in Scotland. Allan Perkins discusses what's next... Adult dar...
Posted 29/08/2018 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.