Recent news

Updated 19/09/2008

WeBS Annual Report - Waterbirds in the UK 2006/07:

We are pleased to announce that the latest WeBS report, ‘Waterbirds in the UK 2006/07’, has now been posted to all Local Organisers. If you haven't received your copy yet, please contact your Local Organiser or the WeBS Office.

Don’t forget that you can download the WeBS annual reports here, Waterbirds in the UK 2006/07 is now available to download.

British Birdwatching Fair 15, 16 and 17 August 2008:

For the fourth year running, WeBS will be holding a stand at the Rutland BirdFair. This will be a great opportunity for you to come and meet staff from the WeBS office as well as collect your copy of the latest WeBS report (see above). WeBS staff will be on hand to demonstrate WeBS Online and to discuss any WeBS issues. We’ll also have a selection of the ever-popular WeBS-branded clothing available for sale.
Find us on Stand 4 in Marquee 1.

Avian Influenza:

Defra have now confirmed that the outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Dorset is highly pathogenic H5N1. WeBS data continue to be used to advise Government. To find out more, click here

Staff changes:

Alex Banks, low-tide organiser of the Low-Tide Scheme since 2004 has left the BTO. Neil Calbrade takes over as Low-Tide Scheme organiser. Lucy Wright joins the Wetland team to take-over Alex’s research role. To find out more about WeBS staff, click here

Other news:

To access more recent news, including updates on the WeBS Annual Report, information on recent waterbird movements and waterbird research news, click here

To access the news archives, click here.

About WeBS

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the scheme that monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK, which aims to provide the principal data for the conservation of their populations and wetland habitats. The data collected are used to assess the size of waterbird populations, determine trends in numbers and distribution, and assess the importance of individual sites for waterbirds, in line with the requirements of international conservation Conventions and Directives.

Continuing a tradition begun in 1947, around 3,000 volunteer counters participate in synchronised monthly counts at wetlands of all habitat types, mainly during the winter period. WeBS is a partnership between the British Trust for Ornithology, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (the latter on behalf of Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service for Northern Ireland).

To find out more, click here

Wetlands and Waterbirds

The UK hosts internationally important numbers of over-wintering waterbirds, attracted here by relatively mild winters and the large tidal amplitudes, which ensure extensive areas of inter-tidal mudflat. One of the principal aims of WeBS is to provide data to facilitate their conservation.

To find out more about UK waterbirds, including status and trends, click here.

To find out WeBS coverage of UK wetlands, click here.

To find out more about wetlands, including the status of designated sites, click here.

Waterbird Research

WeBS Data have been used to undertake a large range of research projects and impact-related work. Some recent examples include examining the impacts of climate change and water quality on waders, determining declines and causes of decline on waterbirds on the UK's protected areas and assessing the impacts of habitat loss and disturbance on waterbirds.

To find out more about waterbird related research undertaken by the BTO, click here.