Modelling population-level impacts of wind farm collision risk on Welsh Red Kites

The Welsh Red Kite population is currently in ongoing recovery after a historic decline driven by persecution, and a consequent population bottleneck during the first half of the 20th century. Trends from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey show that the population has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Nonetheless, the Red Kite remains a conservation concern, in particular around two Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated for the species’ conservation: the Berwyn SPA and the Elenydd—Mallaen SPA.Wind turbines represent a known threat to Red Kite populations, causing additional mortality through collisions. A large number of wind farm sites are currently at various stages of development (ranging from aspirational schemes to proposals under assessment) in Wales, especially in Mid Wales where Red Kites are at their highest density and where the Elenydd-Mallaen SPA is situated.The aim of this analysis is to model the potential impacts of current and proposed wind farm developments on the Welsh population of Red Kites, using a Population Viability Analysis.

Download PDF

Atlantic populations of a declining oceanic seabird have complex migrations and weak migratory connectivity to staging areas

Tracking the long-distance migrations of Arctic Skuas from their north-east Atlantic breeding grounds revealed complex migration strategies, with mixing of individuals from different populations at important staging areas before the birds reached their southern wintering grounds.  

View on journal website

Breeding periods of hedgerow-nesting birds in England

Hedgerows form an important semi-natural habitat for birds and other wildlife in English farmland landscapes, in addition to providing other benefits to farming. Hedgerows are currently maintained through annual or multi-annual cutting cycles, the timing of which could have consequences for hedgerow-breeding birds.The aim of this report is to assess the impacts on nesting birds should the duration of the management period be changed, by quantifying the length of the current breeding season for 15 species of songbird likely to nest in farmland hedges. These species are Blackbird, Blackcap, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Garden Warbler, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Long-tailed Tit, Robin, Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Wren and Yellowhammer.

Download PDF

Characterisation, prevalence and severity of skin lesions caused by ophidiomycosis in a population of wild snakes

Bailiwick Bat Survey: 2023 season report

This report presents the main findings from survey work delivered using passive acoustic monitoring devices deployed across the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Download PDF