The British Trust for Ornithology, in partnership with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, is coordinating a nationwide survey of breeding Woodcock using randomly selected woodland sites during 2023.
In a recent review of the population status of breeding birds in the UK, the Woodcock was ‘Red Listed’ as a bird of conservation concern because of a >50% long-term decline in breeding range and a 29% decrease in breeding numbers since 2003. The purpose of the survey is to provide an updated national population estimate and an assessment of range change compared to the previous national surveys undertaken in 2003 and 2013. In addition, habitat use will be investigated to improve our knowledge of habitat requirements, which can improve future woodland management and conservation action for Woodcock.
How you can help
The survey requires three main evening visits, between 1st May and 31st June (recce visit in April), to selected 1km woodland squares to count roding Woodcock and record woodland habitat characteristics. There are still many squares throughout Wales that we would like to get covered, especially the high priority (Yellow) squares, which will provide the best data about numbers and change since 2013.
To see if there is a survey square near you and to find out more about the survey, please visit: https://www.bto.org/woodcock .
Woodcock photo by Graham Giddens