
Breeding curlew need you
Data shows a 46 per cent decline in breeding curlew in the UK between 1994 and 2010, with a more than 50 per cent decline in Wales and Scotland.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
Home » Science and research » 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.
Data shows a 46 per cent decline in breeding curlew in the UK between 1994 and 2010, with a more than 50 per cent decline in Wales and Scotland.
Released gamebird numbers decline throughout the season, making end-of-season shooting more unpredictable.
Find out more about the conservation projects we are currently undertaking and how you can get involved.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.