The Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme monitors the abundance and breeding success of the UK’s native geese and migratory swans during the non-breeding season.
Time, skill and support
Two or three monthly visits in winter on set weekends.
You need be able to identify and age migratory geese and swans, and count large numbers of birds accurately.
Contact your local organiser for information on mentoring opportunities in your area, or join one of our training courses.
About the Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme
The UK supports 13 internationally important populations of native geese and migratory swans. Many of the species which comprise these populations are Red or Amber-listed in the UK, and it is vital that we have up-to-date information on their status and health.
The Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) is a suite of species-specific surveys which monitors the different populations of geese (including Pink-footed, Barnacle, Bean, Brent, Greater White-fronted and Greylag) throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, to provide data for the conservation of their populations. The scheme also includes a quinquennial International Swan Census, which focuses on Whooper and Bewick's Swans.
Scheme participants, both non-professional and professional surveyors, visit sites in the autumn and winter months to count numbers of migratory geese and swans and, where possible, do age assessments on the number of young birds present to monitor breeding success.
The GSMP network is comprised of a variety of organisations, groups and individuals involved in goose and swan monitoring throughout the UK, as well as in other countries which are covered by the birds' migratory flyways.
View the latest results in Waterbirds in the UK
Waterbirds in the UK is the primary reporting mechanism for Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme results. It contains a summary of the winter’s survey data as well as species focus and feature articles. It also presents the results of the annual Wetland Bird Survey Report.
Keep up-to-date with Waterbird News
Waterbird News is the newsletter of the Wetland Bird Survey and the Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme. It is produced annually to give counters updates on what has been going on.
2024/25 census dates for the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census
- 12-13 October 2024
- 9-10 November 2024
- 22-23 March 2025
Project team
Project timeline
BTO-run Surveys
- September-January Goose and Swan Age Assessments
- October/November Icelandic-breeding Goose Census (IGC)
- October-May Svalbard Barnacle Goose Census
- January International Swan Census (every five years)
- March Spring IGC (occasional)
Identifying winter swans
Learn how to distinguish between Whooper and Bewick’s Swans in our ID video.
Identifying grey geese
Learn how to distinguish between Greylag, Pink-footed and White-fronted Geese in our ID video.
Why do birds migrate?
Dive into the drivers of bird migratory behaviour with BTO expert Phil Atkinson.
Partners and Supporting Organisations
Code of Conduct
Volunteers must follow BTO’s Code of Conduct. This code applies to our staff, our members, and volunteers, including surveyors and participants in the Ringing and Nest Record Schemes, (hereafter referred to collectively as ‘staff and supporters’). It applies to all BTO activities, whether online (including meetings and events, telephone, letter, and email) or offline (any face-to-face interaction). We've also written some guidance for volunteer fieldworkers, which will help beginners in particular.