Record number of volunteers support important bird survey
The Cairngorms Wader Survey was supported by the Species Volunteer Network, made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
62 volunteers have taken part in the 2025 Cairngorms Wader Survey, the greatest number of volunteers the survey has had since it began in 2000.
The Cairngorms Wader Survey takes place every five years at farms across the Cairngorms National Park and focuses on five breeding species: Snipe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank and Curlew. The data collected builds an important understanding of how these species are doing and can help inform future efforts for threatened species.
The immense support from volunteers, along with farmers and partners like the Cairngorms National Park Authority, helped to ensure the survey could be a success.
David Tompkins, Species Volunteer Network Project Officer said:
When we act for nature together, we can do so much more, and this project would not be possible without volunteers. It’s incredible not only to have so many volunteers taking part, but also to get to share in their passion for these incredible birds and for saving nature.
The survey has been supported by the RSPB Species Volunteer Network, which helps coordinate and train volunteers across the UK to protect threatened species like Lapwing and Curlew. The network is dedicated to increasing the numbers, diversity, and the skillsets of volunteers making a difference for species across the UK and is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The findings of the Cairngorms Wader Survey are currently expected to be shared in late 2025.
