BTO create and publish a variety of important articles, papers, journals and other publications, independently and with our partners, for organisations, government and the private sector. Some of our publications (books, guides and atlases) are also available to buy in our online shop.
Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme
Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023
This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).
The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.

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Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023
Author: Harris, S.J., Baker, H., Balmer, D.E., Bolton, M., Burton, N.H.K., Caulfield, E., Clarke, J.A.E., Dunn, T.E., Evans, T.J., Hereward, H.R.F., Humphreys, E.M., Money, S. and O’Hanlon, N.J.
Published: 2024
This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.This report includes both inland and coastal populations and trends from the Channel Islands, England, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, which are presented where sufficient data are available. The results from this report are used more broadly to assess the health of the wider environment, to inform policy and for conservation action.
21.11.24
Research reports Research reports


Temperature sensitivity of breeding phenology and reproductive output of the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Author: Lonero, I., Eddowes, M.J., Burgess, M.D., Pearce-Higgins, J.W. & Phillimore, A.B.
Published: 2024
One of the most obvious ways in which birds have responded to climate change is by shifting the timing of their breeding and migration. In spring, many long-distance migratory species are now arriving earlier than in the past, and most species are also nesting earlier than then used to, particularly in warmer years. But has this led to a mismatch in the timing of the breeding season and the peak availability of key food resources for breeding birds and their young, leading to a reduction in breeding success and eventual population declines?
20.11.24
Papers

How to make land use policy decisions: Integrating science and economics to deliver connected climate, biodiversity, and food objectives
Author: Bateman, I.J., Binner, A. Addicott, E.T., Balmford, B., Cho F.H.T., Daily, G.C., De-Gol, A., Eisenbarth, S., Faccioli, M., Ferguson-Gow, H., Ferrini, S., Fezzi, C., Gannon, K., Groom, B., Harper, A.B., Harwood, A., Hillier, J., Hulme, M.F., Lee, C.F., Liuzzo, L., Lovett, A., Mancini, M.C., Matthews, R., Morison, J.I.L., Owen, N., Pearson, R.G., Polasky, S., Siriwardena, G., Smith, P., Snowdon, P.P., Tippett, P., Vetter, S.H., Vinjili, S., Vossler, C.A., Watson, R.T., Williamson, D. & Day, B.H.
Published: 2024
13.11.24
Papers

Decline in the numbers of Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus on the Exe estuary Special Protection Area
Author: Goss-Custard, J.D., Austin, G.E., Frost, T.M., Sitters, H.P. & Stillman, R.A.
Published: 2024
The Exe Estuary in Devon is a nationally important site for Oystercatchers wintering in the UK. However, the proportion of this species found in south-west England and wintering on the Exe declined from 60% in the late 1980s to 35% by the late 2010s. This study uses 45 years of data collected by volunteers taking part in the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) to investigate why.
07.11.24
Papers
