Dr Lucy Wright

Principal Conservation Scientist, Conservation Science

Background

I investigate the environmental impacts of proposed new developments (eg renewable energy installations, airports) and the effectiveness of protected area networks for species conservation. Much of my research has focused on the bird species for which the UK is globally important, such as seabirds and wintering waterbirds.

I lead a small team of scientists. Together we provide the primary research and scientific advice required for RSPB policy and casework that aims to ensure the effective conservation of our finest wildlife sites. I represent the RSPB on a range of external groups with nature conservation, government and industry partners, largely in relation to the impacts of renewable energy developments on birds.

I am an experienced manager of people and projects, have managed several large collaborations and provide scientific advice to a wide range of government and industry partners.

My field skills include bird ringing (including specialist techniques such as cannon netting and GPS tagging) and a wide range of bird survey techniques. I have considerable experience of training others in these skills.

External Activities

  • 2016 to present: Associate Editor of Bird Study
  • Honorary Secretary and Scientific Committee Member, Wash Wader Ringing Group
  • 2016 to present: Member, UK Marine Renewables Ornithology Group

Contact

Lucy Wright

Dr Lucy Wright

Principal Conservation Scientist, Conservation Science

The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL

lucy.wright@rspb.org.uk

@_LucyWright

Research Gate

Google Scholar

Specialisms

Identifying problems Marine New methods and technologies Protected areas UK species

Selected Publications

The role of habitat change in driving black grouse Tetrao tetrix population declines across Scotland

Black Grouse declines across Scotland were greatest on less heterogeneous moorland, at low to intermediate altitudes and, more weakly, around post-thicket woodland.

Aims: To examine correlates of change in abundance of Black Grouse across Scotland.

Methods: Changes in abundance within 5-km squares between national surveys in 1995/96 and 2005 were modelled in relation to measures of habitat cover and woodland age derived from satellite imagery.

Results: Populations across Scotland were most stable where unenclosed moorland comprised rough grassland, intermediate heather cover and at higher altitude. Declines tended to be greatest in squares which had transitioned from pre-thicket to closed-canopy woodland.

Conclusion: Moorland will be most beneficial where it is heterogeneous in composition, and the role of woodland maturation in driving regional declines has support, albeit more weakly, at a national scale.

Date
09 February 2016
RSPB Authors
Dr Lucy Wright, Dr David Douglas
Authors
Pearce-Higgins, J., Wright, L., Grant, M. & Douglas, D.
Published in
Bird Study
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Resolving issues with environmental impact assessment of marine renewable energy installations

Growing concerns about climate change and energy security have fueled a rapid increase in the development of marine renewable energy installations (MREIs). The potential ecological consequences of increased use of these devices emphasizes the need for high quality...

Date
16 December 2014
RSPB Authors
Dr Aly McCluskie
Authors
Maclean, I.M.D., Inger, R., Benson, D., Booth, C.G., Embling, C.B., Grecian, W.J., Heymans, J.J., Plummer, K.E., Shackshaft, M., Sparling, C.E., Wilson, B., Wright, L.J., Bradbury, G., Christen, N., Godley, B.J., JAckson, A.C., McCluskie, A., Nicholls-Lee, R. & Bearhop, S.
Published in
Frontiers in Marine Science
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Importance of climatic and environmental change in the demography of a multi-brooded passerine, the woodlark Lullula arborea

We examined the influence of local weather conditions on reproductive success, timing of breeding and survival in a population of a multi-brooded ground nesting passerine (woodlark Lullula arborea) over...

Date
06 July 2009
RSPB Authors
Prof Rhys Green, Dr John Mallord
Authors
Wright, L.J., Hoblyn, R.A., Green, R.E., Bowden, C.G.R., Mallord, J.W., Sutherland, W.J. & Dolman, P.M.
Published in
Journal of Animal Ecology
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Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and woodlark Lullula arborea – recovering species in Britain?

The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Woodlark Lullula arborea are identified as species of conservation concern at both a UK and a European level on account of historical declines in their population...

Date
23 November 2007
RSPB Authors
Dr Rowena Langston, Simon Wotton, Dr John Mallord
Authors
Langston, R.H.W., Wotton, S.R., Conway, G.J., Wright, L.J., Mallord, J.W., Currie, F.A., Drewitt, A.L., Grice, P.V., Hoccom, D.G. & Symes, N.
Published in
Ibis
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The Breeding Bird Survey 2009

This is the fifteenth annual report of the BTO/JNCC/ RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), containing the population trends of widespread UK bird species during the period 1994–2009.

Date
01 July 2010
Authors
Risely, K., Baillie, S.R., Eaton, M.A., Joys, A.C., Musgrove, A.J., Noble, D.G., Renwick, A.R.
Published in
BTO Research Report No. 559. BTO, Thetford
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