BTO publishes various reports, from those covering the annual results of core surveys, through scientific studies, and on to those produced in partnership with other organisations. Many of these are published as BTO Research Reports. You can access all of our reports from here, though note that we are currently updating the reports section, working backwards through time to bring all of the report pages into a consistent format. You can read our Annual Report and Accounts in the Governance section.
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Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023
Author: Harris, S.J., Baker, H., Balmer, D.E., Bolton, M., Burton, N.H.K., Caulfield, E., Clarke, J.A.E., Dunn, T.E., Evans, T.J., Hereward, H.R.F., Humphreys, E.M., Money, S. and O’Hanlon, N.J.
Published: 2024
This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.This report includes both inland and coastal populations and trends from the Channel Islands, England, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, which are presented where sufficient data are available. The results from this report are used more broadly to assess the health of the wider environment, to inform policy and for conservation action.
21.11.24
Research reports Research reports
Watching Out for Waders: The Working for Waders Nest Camera Project
Author: Noyes, P., Laurie, P., Wetherhill, A. & Wilson, M.
Published: 2024
This report presents the results of a trial involving the use of trail cameras by land managers and other wader conservation stakeholders to monitor the outcome of wader nesting attempts. It presents the results of the trial and assesses the potential for the project to improve wader conservation knowledge and management.
04.10.24
Research reports Research reports
Annual Report & Accounts 2023/24
Author: BTO
Published: 2024
At a glance:During 2023—24 there were almost 9,000 downloads of BTO data from NBN Atlas, cumulatively totalling over 400 million records, and used for education, research and commercial purposes.Volunteers contributed 2,102,943 hours to our work in 2023, an increase of 7% compared with 2022 and the equivalent of 1,292 staff years and £42.6 million, an incredible contribution and powerful resourceThe 2024 Youth Summit, a collaboration between BTO’s Youth Advisory Panel, RSPB’s Youth Council, and WWF-UK’s Youth Ambassadors, empowered and inspired young people and organisations to do more.Thanks to our members, funders and supporters, £6.2 million was spent during the year carrying out, supporting and communicating our ornithological research and delivering engagement.During 2023—24, we received just over £2 million through gifts in Wills, something for which we are phenomenally grateful.Some 8,890 BTO volunteers have contributed to the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey, which celebrated 30 years of survey visits in 2024 and now covers nearly 4,000 sites annually.
30.09.24
Reports Annual Report
Trial of the use of silicone cord leg-loop harnesses on Black-legged Kittiwake during the 2023 breeding season
Author: O’Hanlon, N.J., Clewley, G.D., Davies, J.G., Johnston, D.T., Booth Jones, K.A., Green, R.M.W., Weston, E., Humphreys, E.M. & Cook, A.S.C.P.
Published: 2024
This report describes a follow-up field trial during the 2023 breeding season to assess the feasibility of using silicone cord for the leg-loop harness attachment of devices to Kittiwakes on a sample size of six individuals.
23.09.24
Research reports Research reports
How effective has the management of Cockle and Mussel fisheries on The Wash estuary been in ensuring that there is sufficient food for birds?
Author: Kirkland, M., Atkinson, P.W., Clark J.A. & Robinson, R.A.
Published: Winter 2024
The Wash is England’s largest Special Protection Area, with Oystercatchers being a designated feature. During the winter, Oystercatchers rely heavily on Cockles and Blue Mussels for their food requirements, creating the potential for conflict with the human fisheries for these species.
10.07.24
Research reports Research reports
