Spoon-billed Sandpiper Appeal

The incredible spoon-billed sandpiper is hurtling towards extinction perhaps faster than any other bird species, with probably fewer than 100 pairs remaining and the population in freefall. Without urgent action, it will probably be gone within a decade.

Support for the spoon-billed sandpiper project

"The SBS is an extraordinary bird in terrible trouble but sadly it is not alone there. However, by using the WWT's skills and technologies it is not yet beyond conservation and by focusing upon this avian celebrity we should be able to draw the world's attention to an incredible but endangered flyway where millions of birds rely on a network of habitats for their future. If we can secure one we may secure them all - worth a go I'd say. Your help would be greatly appreciated."

Chris Packham, Springwatch presenter, author and photographer

"Tigers and rhinos get loads of publicity - deservedly so - because they happen to be big and well-known. But there are many other critically endangered species that need just as much help. The remarkable spoon-billed sandpiper is one particularly close to my heart and this is our last chance to save it from extinction."

Mark Carwardine, BBC zoologist, conservationist and author

Discover more about the spoon-billed sandpiper and the project to save it here

Your support is vital

We are entirely dependent on your support to see through our hopes of saving the spoon-billed sandpiper.

Please support our appeal by clicking here and donating online

Alternatively you can call Zoë Cameron on 01453 891270 or by emailing zoe.cameron@wwt.org.uk

The spoon-billed sandpiper conservation breeding programme is a collaboration between WWT, Birds Russia, Moscow Zoo and the RSPB working with colleagues from the BTO, BirdLife International, ArcCona and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force.

The project is funded by WWT and RSPB, with additional financial contributions and support from BirdLife International, the East-Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership, the Convention on Migratory Species, Heritage Expeditions, the Australasian Wader Study Group of Birds Australia, the BBC Wildlife Fund, the Mileage Company and many generous individuals.