Cudyll Cymru is a newly developed scheme which monitors raptors (birds of prey) in Wales. Learn more about the project and its vital work, and find out how to get involved – whatever your skill level and experience. The project officially launches in January 2025, with our trained monitors ready to begin their surveying.
Time, skill and support
Videos, courses, and 1-2-1 mentoring are available to help you develop skills in raptor identification, monitoring methods, and data entry.
About Cudyll Cymru
Raptors (also known as birds of prey) are engaging, charismatic birds, and Wales is fortunate to be home to 17 of the 20 breeding raptor species found in the UK. In fact, raptors are designated features of a number of Protected Areas in Wales, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Areas.
Cudyll Cymru is a Welsh raptor monitoring initiative which monitors the populations and breeding productivity of five raptor species which are widespread in Wales:
Buzzard
Kestrel
Raven
Red Kite
Sparrowhawk
Although technically a Corvid species, Raven is included because of its ecological similarities to raptors.
Cudyll Cymru will help us to:
- Collect robust data about raptor population trends to enhance our understanding of raptors across Wales, and within its Protected Area network.
- Provide essential information to support raptor conservation efforts and inform the Welsh and UK Governments’ legal commitments to wildlife protection.
- Empower local communities to learn more about their raptors, foster a sense of stewardship for their habitats, and encourage active involvement in their preservation.
Project team
Leads
Contact
- cudyll.cymru@bto.org
Project timeline
- Spring 2024 Project receives funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund
- Summer 2024 Our Raptor Monitoring Coordinator (Wales) arrives in post and work begins
- Autumn 2024 Pre-registration of participants begins
- Winter 2024 Site selection and participant training
- Spring 2025 First breeding season surveys (Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk)
- Spring 2026 First breeding season surveys (Raven)
Why do we need Cudyll Cymru?
Learn more about how Cudyll Cymru will address the gaps in the current data provision for five iconic raptor species in Wales, and support their conservation.
More about taking part
We have developed Cudyll Cymru to be as accessible to everyone as possible! Whatever your previous experience, find out what's involved.
Sign up and join the project
Start your raptor monitoring journey today! If you're interested in the project, please fill out our online form and we will contact you to get you started.
