Research reports

BTO Research Reports are scientific papers that have been self-published by the BTO. The following is a full list of the published BTO research reports. Most are free to download, and links to Abstracts are included where possible.

Numbers missing from the list are those allocated but which were never produced or which have not been published. BTO recognises that, particularly in respect of commercially sensitive cases, a period of confidentiality is appropriate for some projects. However, in the interests of scientific development and dissemination of information, we encourage clients to permit publication as soon as it is reasonable to do so.

If you wish to purchase a physical copy of a report please contact [email protected].
More information about our Annual Service reports to JNCC 1992-2005.

Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling

This study uses a population modelling approach to explore the effects of changes in rates of productivity, survival, and settlement on population growth in the English population of Hen Harriers.

See Research Report

Download PDF

Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling

Search

Watching Out for Waders: The Working for Waders Nest Camera Project

This report presents the results of a trial involving the use of trail cameras by land managers and other wader conservation stakeholders to monitor the outcome of wader nesting attempts. It presents the results of the trial and assesses the potential for the project to improve wader conservation knowledge and management.

04.10.24

Research reports Research reports

Trial of the use of silicone cord leg-loop harnesses on Black-legged Kittiwake during the 2023 breeding season

This report describes a follow-up field trial during the 2023 breeding season to assess the feasibility of using silicone cord for the leg-loop harness attachment of devices to Kittiwakes on a sample size of six individuals.

23.09.24

Research reports Research reports

How effective has the management of Cockle and Mussel fisheries on The Wash estuary been in ensuring that there is sufficient food for birds?

The Wash is England’s largest Special Protection Area, with Oystercatchers being a designated feature. During the winter, Oystercatchers rely heavily on Cockles and Blue Mussels for their food requirements, creating the potential for conflict with the human fisheries for these species.

10.07.24

Research reports Research reports

Silvopasture Biodiversity – Beetles and Bats: providing the infrastructure and protocols that farmers can follow to participate in biodiversity monitoring using passive acoustic monitoring

Working with the Devon silvopasture network, a survey and sampling protocol was devised that allowed farmers to deploy static acoustic bat detectors over a seven month survey season to provide baseline data for bats. This report provides an overview of the survey coverage and main results from 2023, to highlight what can be delivered now using passive acoustic monitoring, whilst providing the next steps and a vision for the future.

01.06.24

Research reports Research reports

Seabird population and demographic monitoring in the UK: a review and recommendations for future sampling

The Seabird Monitoring Programme, funded by the British Trust for Ornithology and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), in association with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, aims to ensure that sample data on seabird breeding numbers and breeding productivity are collected both regionally and nationally, for 25 species of seabird that regularly breed in Britain and Ireland, to enable their conservation status to be assessed.

18.04.24

Research reports Research reports