The UK is exceptionally important for wintering waterbirds with over 5 million visiting its numerous wetlands during migration and winter.
WWT co-ordinates the UK Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) on behalf of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. This collaboration aims to provide the best possible understanding of the of the status of the UK’s goose and swan populations so their conservation needs can be met across their flyways.
The surveys employ a variety of approaches, from reading rings of colour-marked birds to assessing the proportion of young birds in a flock or counting birds as they leave their roost.
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with this programme. Other than the ability to identify waterbirds, many of the surveys require no special skills.
Background
From a global perspective the importance of the UK is emphasised by the number of goose and swan populations that winter entirely, or almost entirely within the UK, including the Svalbard Barnacle Goose and Icelandic Pink-footed Goose.
The UK therefore has a huge responsibility to safeguard these waterbirds and their habitats. To do so effectively, it is vital to monitor their numbers and distribution, as well as other aspect of their life cycle such as breeding success and survival rates.
How you can help
This vital research would not be possible without the network of dedicated volunteer fieldworkers that give their time and expertise to collect data and support the conservation of the UK’s geese and swans.
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with this programme. Other than the ability to identify waterbirds, many of the surveys require no special skills.
To find out what surveys take place where you live click here.
For more information contact WWT’s Waterbird monitoring unit.
Waterbird Monitoring Unit
WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
T: 01453 891255
E: monitoring@wwt.org.uk