Latest results from the Breeding Bird Survey
(1994-2008)

To see BBS trends from all areas, click here

The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the main scheme aimed at keeping track of changes in the breeding populations of widespread bird species across the UK. Each year, nearly 3,000 volunteer birdwatchers count birds on over 3,500 randomly selected 1km grid squares across the UK. This enables us to calculate UK population trends for 104 species, and separate trends for the four constituent countries (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and the nine English Government Office Regions. Knowledge of the status of our bird populations is fundamental to their conservation.

We do not report population trends for five gull species (Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Great Black-backed), as a large proportion of the counts are of non-breeding, wintering or migratory birds. Trends for Cormorant, Grey Heron and Common Tern are reported with the caveat that counts may contain a high proportion of birds away from breeding sites, and the trend for Tawny Owl with the caveat that the BBS method monitors nocturnal species poorly.

Table of UK population changes

The figures presented are the percentage changes in population levels in United Kingdom for the respective time periods, marked with an asterisk where significant. The trend since the start of the survey, covering the period 1994-2008, has been smoothed, and the end years truncated. The trend is therefore labelled as 1995-2007. For the 1995-2007 (smoothed) trend, the lower and upper 95% confidence limits are given (lcl and ucl). Those species which are Red-listed and Amber-listed in Population Status of Birds in the UK have been highlighted in the appropriate colour.

Taking part

The survey is designed to be a quick, simple and, most importantly, enjoyable bird-watching exercise. Survey sites are randomly selected 1x1-kilometre squares of the National Grid. Observers make just three visits to their squares, the first to record habitats and to set up a suitable survey route, and the second and third to record all birds that are seen or heard while walking along the route. If you are interested in taking part in the BBS, please email

The BBS is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), on behalf of the BTO, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC is the statutory adviser to Government on UK and international nature conservation, on behalf of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

BTO Home | JNCC Home | RSPB Home
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) monitors terrestrial birds throughout the UK to
provide information that underpins the conservation of species and habitats.
The BBS is organised by the BTO on behalf of BTO, JNCC and RSPB
Email: bbs@bto.org
Last updated 24 November, 2009

BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, UK.
Registered Charity Number 216652 (England & Wales) SCO39193 (Scotland)
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement          © British Trust for Ornithology