Background
I have managed many projects on a range of priority bird species across the UK, particularly involving bird – habitat relationships, diagnosing the causes for species decline and developing conservation solutions.
As Principal Conservation Scientist for Northern Ireland, I have responsibility for designing, delivering, and securing funding for multiple scientific projects in Northern Ireland, and provision of scientific advice across Ireland and the Isle of Man.
I am interested in all research areas aimed at understanding and improving the conservation of declining priority species. I am currently involved in a variety of projects, such as the LIFE Raft project on Rathlin Island, a DAERA funded project on Chough and Corncrake habitat needs in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Red Kite population dynamics, a BTO/ DAERA/ RSPB project to understand the response of birds to agri-environment options across NI, the science of defining Favourable Conservation Status.
I co-supervise post graduate students and collaborate with colleagues from Universities and institutions across the UK.
Partners and Collaboration
- Prof. Nicholas Jonsson, Glasgow University
- Prof. Steve Willis, Durham University
- Dr. Neil Reid, Queens University Belfast
- Dr. Katherine Booth-Jones, British Trust for Ornithology, Northern Ireland
Contact

Dr Gillian Gilbert
Principal Conservation Scientist, Conservation Science
RSPB Northern Ireland Headquarters, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast, BT8 7QT