RSPB pioneers new conservation techniques to save our endangered upland waders

RSPB volunteers in the Forest of Bowland have collected a record amount of data to inform innovative new ways to improve the breeding success of iconic upland species like the curlew and lapwing.

During the spring nesting months, RSPB staff and volunteers monitored breeding waders on 72 farms across the Forest of Bowland, recording 281 pairs of lapwing, 245 pairs of curlew and 192 pairs of oystercatcher plus 23 pairs of redshank and 33 pairs of snipe. The total area of land surveyed increased to more than 3,200 hectares

Many of these species are red-listed – indicating their populations have declined significantly in recent years. This year’s cold, damp spring took its toll on nesting birds this year, but Bowland remains a stronghold for upland waders – many of which have all but disappeared from lowland Britain.

Thanks to funding from the Forest of Bowland’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme, the data collected enabled RSPB staff to trial new ways to improve the breeding success of Bowland’s waders.

For the first time this year, RSPB staff used super-sensitive thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones to locate nests – dramatically reducing the search time to find well-hidden nests.

Once located, many nests were protected with temporary fences to deter ground predators and prevent accidental trampling by grazing livestock. A rapid reaction team of RSPB staff and volunteers managed to fence 23 nests this year, with 78 per cent of these fenced nests successfully hatching chicks.

All tagging and ringing of chicks is carried out under special licence.

Many of the chicks from fenced nests were then fitted with tiny radio transmitters – carried out under special licence – allowing RSPB staff to monitor their progress on a daily basis. While the tagging project confirmed a worryingly high attrition rate among chicks, the information gathered will prove invaluable for informing future conservation efforts.

RSPB Conservation Advisor Hilary McGuire said: “The plight of our upland waders continues to give us cause for concern, but it is amazing to have such a huge team of enthusiastic volunteers ready to rally to the cause and help protect these beautiful birds.

“By working closely with local farmers – who are amazing at finding nests and moving livestock to give breeding waders space to rear their chicks – the information we are gathering continues to provide valuable insights on how we can help these endangered species.”

• Find out more about the RSPB Upland Wader Project at the RSPB Website

Posted
16th September 2024
in News