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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World Curlew Day - A little less conversation and a lot more action for Curlew please
World Curlew Day - A little less conversation and a lot more action for Curlew please April 21st is the first ever World Curlew Day so we are delighted to share with you a blog from Caroline Marshall, Programme Manager for the ‘Co-operation Across ...
Posted 21/04/2018 by Andre Farrar -
Is wood warbler nest predation affected by habitat structure?
Blog post by Paul Bellamy, Senior Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science. As part of an RSPB research programme investigating the causes of wood warbler declines, 434 nests were monitored in mid-Wales, Devon and the New Forest f...
Posted 19/04/2018 by Kevin Middleton -
Joining forces to save the Egyptian Vulture - a great project that needs your vote!
Ian FIsher, our Programme Manager in the RSPB's International Species Recovery Unit highlights a great project that is up for an international award The Egyptian vulture, the only regular long distance migratory vulture in Europe, is on the edge of e...
Posted 12/04/2018 by Andre Farrar -
First UK snow bunting survey and population estimate
Blog post by Daniel Hayhow, Conservation Scientist, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science Our understanding and knowledge about the UK’s breeding snow buntings dates back to between 1930 and 1950 when Desmond Nethersole-Thompson worked on the species ...
Posted 05/04/2018 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.