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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Invasive Non-Native Species on Islands
It's Invasive Species Week – a time to look at the impact invasive non-native species are having on our native wildlife in various environments. Today, for the fifth and final day of this year’s Invasives Week, we take a look at islands – an environm...
Posted 17/05/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Where biosecurity is most urgently needed on Caribbean islands
Blog by Dr Steffen Oppel, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science Sailing a yacht across tranquil turquoise Caribbean waters from one paradise island to the next is the dream that is advertised in many glossy magazines and...
Posted 17/05/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Waterbirds in the UK 2017/18
Blog by Simon Wotton, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. The 37th Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) report, for 2017/18, has just been published. WeBS is the principal scheme for monitoring the populations of the UK's winte...
Posted 16/05/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Get involved with Puffarazzi: People-powered puffin conservation
Blog by Dr Ellie Owen, Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science What’s up with puffins? Like many people, I love seabirds. I work in RSPB’s marine conservation science team where I carry out research to understand the threats faci...
Posted 15/05/2019 by Chiara Ceci
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.