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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New study reveals amazing flexibility of migration among vultures
Blog by Dr Steffen Oppel, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science What happens if a goat dies in the hills of Albania, or Lebanon, or in the deserts of Ethiopia? Most likely, you won’t care one bit. But the carcass festers...
Posted 18/09/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Another Record Year for UK Bitterns
Blog by Simon Wotton, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. This year the annual butterbump survey has recorded another increase with 198 booming male bitterns found at 89 sites across England and Wales, of which 102 we...
Posted 11/09/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Puffins in the Firth of Forth
Guest blog by Susan Davies, CEO, Scottish Seabird Centre Ask any of the visitors to the Scottish Seabird Centre in the spring and early summer, which species they are most looking forward to seeing, and by far the most popular response will be the At...
Posted 30/08/2019 by Chiara Ceci -
Is the critically endangered Liben Lark starting to recover?
Blog by Simon Wotton, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. The Liben Plain in Oromia Province, southern Ethiopia, supports over 10,000 pastoralists with usufruct property rights and is important for agro-biodiversity, ...
Posted 22/08/2019 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.