| Since
its formation in 1933, BTO has been deeply committed to gathering
quantitative information on the bird populations of the UK.
Its nationwide network of skilled volunteers, many of whom
are long-term contributors to survey schemes, provides the
ideal way to monitor the bird populations that are widely
distributed across the countryside. BTO data, from such schemes
as the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey,
the Common Birds Census and Nest
Record Scheme, have been increasingly influential in determining
nature conservation policy in the UK. The partnership between
JNCC and BTO has ensured that these schemes are operated and
developed so as to provide high-quality information for nature
conservation.
The value
of the monitoring work undertaken by the BTO was recognised
in the Government's Biodiversity Steering Group report (Anon.
1995). The BTO's results, particularly those regarding
declining farmland species, are highlighted as an example
of the way in which broad-scale surveillance techniques can
identify important new trends. More generally, the report
states that monitoring is essential if the broad aims, specific
objectives and precise targets of the Government's Biodiversity
Action Plans are to be achieved. It notes that:
- baselines
must be established;
- regular
and systematic recording must be made, to detect change;
and
- the
reasons for change should be studied, to inform action.
The BTO's
monitoring schemes fulfil a considerable portion of these
needs for a wide range of bird species in the UK.
The current
system of alerts derived from the
BTO's census and nest record data ensures that conservation
bodies are quickly made aware of important demographic changes.
Multi-species indicators,
making extensive use of BTO census data, track how bird populations
are faring generally across the countryside, UK-wide and within
specific regions or habitats. These indicators were developed
in association with Government and some have been adopted
by them as policy drivers. More recently, indicators have
been developed on the European scale (click
here).
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