Putting woodcock in the Frame

In a recent copy of BTO News, there was an update on the number of records received on the presence of breeding woodcock in the UK.  The BTO are currently producing the next National Bird Atlas which will be published in 2012/2013.  The National Atlas is produced every 20 years and allows the BTO and others to decide which birds are in decline, especially in terms of reduced ranges in the UK.

Unfortunately, compared to the last Atlas published in 1993, fewer records of breeding woodcock have been submitted by interested members of the general public, particularly in Wales and Scotland.  Professor Nick Sotherton, director of research with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, comments, “We are not surprised by the situation in Wales.  Our 2003 National Breeding Survey detected very few birds there, but the Scottish situation does surprise us.  In 2003 over half the breeding woodcock recorded in the UK were sighted in Scotland.  It would be a great shame if such an iconic bird is badly under-recorded in this National initiative.  In other words, birds might be present, but no-one is telling the BTO!”

To remedy this situation, the GWCT is enlisting the support of the shooting community.  Professor Sotherton says, “If you are sure that you have seen a roding woodcock in the last three summers then please email me with the details.  A postcode or nearest village along with the approximate date will do.  If you have come across a nest or chicks, then please mention this.  We will gather the data and pass it en-block to the BTO on your behalf.”

For the first time, the BTO Atlas will be a combined one incorporating winter and breeding ranges. The Trust is therefore also keen that the range and abundance of the species in winter is properly represented. 

To take part, the Trust would like the shooting community to let them know the number of woodcock they have seen in the last three winters.  Once again, postcode or nearest location, with month and year, would be helpful.  For those concerned about confidentiality, then records can be submitted at the 10km square level.  

To submit records, please email: woodcock@gwct.org.uk or write to Professor Nick Sotherton, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 1EF.

Photocaption:  The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust wants to enlist the support of the shooting community to keep them informed of the number of woodcock they have seen in the last three winters. 

Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. We employ 14 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming and statistics.  We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.   The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

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