2023 census dates

for the Icelandic-breeding Goose Census:

14–15 October
18–19 November


Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme Logo

Project partners

British Trust for Ornithology logo
JNCC logo
NatureScot Logo

Project partners

British Trust for Ornithology logo
JNCC logo
NatureScot

GSMP Partners

The GSMP is funded jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and NatureScot.

Specialist goose study groups and other ornithological organisations in the UK and overseas take a lead on a number of surveys.

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) 

The British Trust for Ornithology has existed since 1933 as an independent, scientific research trust, investigating the populations, movements and ecology of wild birds in the British Isles. Our speciality is the design and implementation of volunteer wild bird surveys. Our partnership between a large number of volunteers and a small scientific staff has proved to be a powerful, productive and cost-effective way of monitoring wild birds. Volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life put their bird-watching skills to good use. They record wild birds systematically using survey methods developed by our scientists, who then compile the records and analyse them for publication. This work makes a direct and vital contribution to bird conservation, by enabling both campaigners and decision-makers to set priorities and target resources. It also provides a unique insight into the state of our environment and how it may be changing.

The British Trust for Ornithology is a not-for-profit trust, governed by its members through a structure of volunteer committees, which determine our policies and programmes and oversee our management. You can support the BTO by contributing bird records, by joining as a member of the Trust or by making a donation.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)

JNCC is the public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international nature conservation.

Our work helps maintain and enrich biological diversity and conserve geological features. It also helps sustain natural systems, which provide the core “services” we all depend on like food, fresh water and clean air. In this way they contribute to economic growth and social well-being and are integral to sustainable development.

Good policy-making, planning, development and risk management all depend on reliable, up-to-date information about biodiversity status and trends. Our role is to provide evidence, information and advice so decisions can be made that protect our natural resources and systems. JNCC itself is a forum that brings together the UK’s four country conservation bodies. We advise the Government and a wide range of bodies to help join up policy and to deliver a strong and cost-effective evidence base by helping to see that the best possible return is achieved from investment in research and surveillance in the UK and internationally.

NatureScot

NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency with 30 years’ experience advising the Scottish Government. Formally Scottish Natural Heritage, our organisation rebranded to NatureScot in August 2020.

We work to enhance our natural environment and inspire the people of Scotland to care more about it. Working towards Scotland’s ‘green recovery’ from Covid-19, we want to stimulate a revival that secures resilience through a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. This means that by 2030, Scotland will be recognised as a world leader in looking after and enhancing nature. NatureScot believes that a nature-rich future, where everyone is involved, will make us all happier, healthier, wealthier and more equal.



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