Conservation projects
Find out more about the conservation projects we are currently undertaking and how you can get involved.
Learning more about breeding woodcock populations in Northern Ireland
We know very little about breeding woodcock in Northern Ireland. Given that the British woodcock populations are declining, it is important to understand if the population resident in Northern Ireland is experiencing a similar trend.
BASC commissioned Erne Environmental Ltd to manage a network of volunteers to provide sufficient data to the GWCT/BTO National Breeding Woodcock Survey in 2023. This was to ensure that a baseline point could be established and Northern Ireland was represented in the survey.
Data was provided from 48 randomised site in Northern Ireland and the population estimated currently at 937 males.
The full study can be accessed under: Heward, C.J., Conway, G.J., Hoodless, A.N., Norfolk, D., & Aebischer, N. J. (2024). Population and distribution change of Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) breeding in the UK: results of the 2023 Breeding Woodcock Survey. Bird Study, last accessed 11 October 2024.
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Project Penelope
Project Penelope is a project led by the Waterfowlers’ Network aiming to improve data collection, waterfowl habitats and sustainable management of waterbirds.
Wing survey
The wing survey is a monitoring project which collects data about shot ducks, geese and waders from wings that are collected by shooters.
