BTO Research Reports are scientific papers that have been self-published by the BTO. The following is a full list of the published BTO research reports. Most are free to download, and links to Abstracts are included where possible.
Numbers missing from the list are those allocated but which were never produced or which have not been published. BTO recognises that, particularly in respect of commercially sensitive cases, a period of confidentiality is appropriate for some projects. However, in the interests of scientific development and dissemination of information, we encourage clients to permit publication as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
- If you wish to purchase a physical copy of a report please contact researchreports@bto.org.
- More information about our Annual Service reports to JNCC 1992-2005.
Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling
This study uses a population modelling approach to explore the effects of changes in rates of productivity, survival, and settlement on population growth in the English population of Hen Harriers.
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Climate change and migratory species: a review of impacts, conservation actions, indicators and ecosystem services.
Author: Williams, J.M., Scott, S.E., Galbraith, C.A., Martay, B., Macphie, K.H., Hereward, H.F.R., Barton, M.G., Bowgen, K.M., Pearce-Higgins, J.W. & Robinson, R.A.
Published: 2023
This major report, prepared by BTO staff and colleagues at JNCC, surveys the evidence on the impacts of climate change on migratory species. It was launched on 10 December 2023 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai (UNFCCC COP28).
10.12.23
Research reports Research reports
Ryevitalise - Bats and Ancient Trees, 2023 Report
Author: Newson, S.E. & Panter, T.L.
Published: 2023
Working with a network of volunteers, static acoustic bat detectors were deployed over a long survey season, to provide the fourth season of extensive bat data for the Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Scheme area of the North York Moors National Park. This report provides an overview of the survey coverage and main results from 2023.
05.12.23
Research reports Research reports
Analysis of Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) data for The Humber Estuary SSSI, SAC, SPA and Ramsar site: fourth appraisal — sector-level trends to winter 2021/22
Author: Bowgen, K.M., Austin, G.E., Wetherhill, A. & Woodward, I.D.
Published: 2023
This study updates previous reports that assessed population trends of waterbird species in different parts of the Humber Estuary, in order to identify areas where species were declining contrary to, or in excess of, the trend for the Humber Estuary as a whole and, furthermore, to identify sectors that support an increasing proportion of species that are declining across the Humber Estuary as a whole.Note: An error included when the report was originally published in 2023 was spotted and corrected in July 2025, the PDF then replaced with the correction. The error is that the figure for Table 3.1.i on p26 was duplicated and accidentally repeated as Table 3.1.ii on p27.
01.12.23
Research reports Research reports
Strategic study of collision risk for birds on migration and further development of the stochastic collision risk modelling tool (Work Package 1: Strategic review of birds on migration in Scottish waters)
Author: Woodward, I.D., Franks, S.E., Bowgen, K., Davies, J.G., Green, R.M.W., Griffin, L.R., Mitchell, C., O’Hanlon, N., Pollock, C., Rees, E.C., Tremlett, C., Wright, L. & Cook, A.S.C.P.
Published: 2023
Report by British Trust for Ornithology, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and ECO-LG to The Scottish Government, Crown Estate Scotland and The Crown Estate.
01.10.23
Research reports Research reports
Analysis of wintering waterbird population trends for the Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Special Protection Area (SPA)
Author: El Haddad, H., Austin, G., Woodward, I. & Booth Jones, K.
Published: 2023
This analysis of Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) data for the Lough Neagh and Lough Beg SPA provides details of wintering waterfowl population changes around the loughs and assists in identifying potential research questions to be pursued.
24.08.23
Research reports Research reports
