Woodcock Survey

Woodcock is the only species of wading bird in Britain and Ireland that is adapted to breed in woodland, both broad-leaved and coniferous. Its plumage is superbly camouflaged to blend in with dead leaf litter and ground vegetation, where it may roost or make its nest, remaining motionless unless approached at very close quarters.

The Woodcock Survey encompasses annual monitoring surveys at specific sites as well as a regular national survey, which takes place every ten years.

How to take part in the annual monitoring surveys in 2025

View available sites in the map below.

If a site is available locally, first sign-up for the survey to request it.

Signing-up

• Have a BTO account? Log-in at www.bto.org/my-bto and then sign-up to the survey. 
• Don't have a BTO account? Register a new account and then sign-up to the survey.

Once logged-in, you can also find the survey sign-up for the Woodcock Survey under 'Sign Up for Projects' at www.bto.org/my-bto.

Request a site

Once signed-up, you can request a square via the survey application. Log-in to the survey application using your BTO account details.

2023 National Survey

In a 2015 review of the species' breeding population status, the Woodcock was was added to the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List because of a long-term decline in breeding numbers and range. The purpose of the Woodcock Survey 2023 was to provide an updated national population estimate and assessment of range change compared to the previous national surveys in 2003 and 2013. In addition, habitat use was investigated to improve our knowledge of habitat requirements, which can improve future woodland management for Woodcock.