1. Whatis the RSPB? What is the RSPB? The RSPB is Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity (over a million members), working for the conservation of biodiversity – especially wild birds and their habitatsThe RSPB is Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity (over a million members), working for the conservation of biodiversity – especially wild birds and their habitats Founded in 1889, and since it’s original campaign to end the plumage trade (a success), it broadened it’s horizons involving the protection of wildlife and habitatsFounded in 1889, and since it’s original campaign to end the plumage trade (a success), it broadened it’s horizons involving the protection of wildlife and habitats. FALCONRY – RSPB accepts falconry as a traditional sport but still works to protect against harm towards wild birds.FALCONRY – RSPB accepts falconry as a traditional sport but still works to protect against harm towards wild birds. ANIMAL WELFARE – The RSPB does not run bird hospitals to deal with sick or injured birds – it recognises that these issues are catered for by charities such as RSPCA and SSPCA. FIELD SPORTS – only works against these if wildlife conservation is affected. For instance the RSPB has worked with the GAME CONSERVANCY TRUST to try and halt the rapid decline of grey partridge populations.FIELD SPORTS – only works against these if wildlife conservation is affected. For instance the RSPB has worked with the GAME CONSERVANCY TRUST to try and halt the rapid decline of grey partridge populations.

2. Reserves RSPB holds reserves in all four countries of the British Isles, with 62 alone in EnglandRSPB holds reserves in all four countries of the British Isles, with 62 alone in England These areas are occupied by everything from sheer seabird cliffs, dense reedbeds, dry southern heathland, peaty moors and wet grassy flood meadows.These areas are occupied by everything from sheer seabird cliffs, dense reedbeds, dry southern heathland, peaty moors and wet grassy flood meadows. These reserves have sprung up during rising conflicts between wildlife/habitats and pressures from building, land drainage and changing farming methodsThese reserves have sprung up during rising conflicts between wildlife/habitats and pressures from building, land drainage and changing farming methods

3. Conservation The RSPB prioritises bird species protection according to the latest population figures recorded in Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) – published in 1996.The RSPB prioritises bird species protection according to the latest population figures recorded in Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) – published in 1996. 146 species in BoCC are placed into either the :146 species in BoCC are placed into either the : RED LIST – 36 species of high conservation concern - these are globally threatened or in rapid decline in the UK currently or historically.RED LIST – 36 species of high conservation concern - these are globally threatened or in rapid decline in the UK currently or historically. AMBER LIST – 110 species of medium conservation concern - in moderate decline, rare, localised, internationally important or of an unfavourable conservation status in Europe.AMBER LIST – 110 species of medium conservation concern - in moderate decline, rare, localised, internationally important or of an unfavourable conservation status in Europe. All other regularly occurring UK species appear on the Green list.All other regularly occurring UK species appear on the Green list. The most important sites for birds around the country are known as IBAs (Important Bird Areas). Within Europe alone there have been 3,619 IBAs identified through sponsorship from the RSPB.The most important sites for birds around the country are known as IBAs (Important Bird Areas). Within Europe alone there have been 3,619 IBAs identified through sponsorship from the RSPB.

4. What are the red & amber lists? Amber list Examples of Criteria: Moderately declining species – breeding population declined by 25- 49% between 1970 and 1995.Moderately declining species – breeding population declined by 25- 49% between 1970 and 1995. Species breeding in internationally important numbers – species for which 20% or more of the European population breeds in the UKSpecies breeding in internationally important numbers – species for which 20% or more of the European population breeds in the UK Localised species – species for which more than half of the non-breeding population is found at 10 or fewer sites.Localised species – species for which more than half of the non-breeding population is found at 10 or fewer sites. Red list The RSPB is undertaking recovery programmes for many of these birds who are part of the red list because they are in greatest need of urgent conservation action.The RSPB is undertaking recovery programmes for many of these birds who are part of the red list because they are in greatest need of urgent conservation action. Examples of Criteria: Breeding population declined by 50% or more between 1970 and 1995.Breeding population declined by 50% or more between 1970 and 1995. Species that are globally threatened.Species that are globally threatened. Localised species which more than half of the non-breeding population is found at 10 or fewer sites.Localised species which more than half of the non-breeding population is found at 10 or fewer sites.

5. Research In this the RSPB is working on the following topics: The impact of climate change on wildlifeThe impact of climate change on wildlife Acidification – the thinning of egg shells due to acid depositionAcidification – the thinning of egg shells due to acid deposition The indirect effects of pesticides – the reduction of insects that feed birdsThe indirect effects of pesticides – the reduction of insects that feed birds Agricultural intensification, both arable and pastoral – reduction of habitatsAgricultural intensification, both arable and pastoral – reduction of habitats Overgrazing on the uplands of BritainOvergrazing on the uplands of Britain The impact of shell-fisheries on populationsThe impact of shell-fisheries on populations The role of predationThe role of predation Introduced speciesIntroduced species among other things!among other things!

6. For Example: There has been a decline of Song thrush numbers by 66% since 1972 on UK farmland and 39% on British woodland.There has been a decline of Song thrush numbers by 66% since 1972 on UK farmland and 39% on British woodland. Research has been carried out by the RSPB by radio-tracking to study the habitat requirements of breeding song thrushes: Research has been carried out by the RSPB by radio-tracking to study the habitat requirements of breeding song thrushes: –E.g. On arable farmland song thrushes show seasonal changes in habitat locations. –During spring they prefer grassland and ditches for earthworms. As these dry out in summer the thrushes are forced to forage in the few remaining ditches around cultivated fields. –Their study in mixed farmland showed that thrushes were able to continue feeding in areas of damp grassland and woodland throughout the long breeding season.

7. Fieldwork Methods Catching and marking adult birdsCatching and marking adult birds Finding their nestsFinding their nests Weighing and marking nestlingsWeighing and marking nestlings Measuring nesting success and understanding causes of nest failureMeasuring nesting success and understanding causes of nest failure Following adults to see where they forage - sometimes with radio tagsFollowing adults to see where they forage - sometimes with radio tags Measuring surrounding habitats and food (e,g seeds, insects)Measuring surrounding habitats and food (e,g seeds, insects) Analysing chick faecal remains to determine dietAnalysing chick faecal remains to determine diet Counting the number of potential predators.Counting the number of potential predators.

8. Solutions -Encouragement of mixed farmland. -The creation of new woodlands on existing farmland, as long as resulting forest is managed sympathetically for wildlife. Grants for woodland creation are available for farmers various schemes. -The RSPB is calling for a pesticide strategy capable of delivering measurable reductions in pesticide impacts. -The tradition of crop rotation to prevent the use of fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides and a new threat from genetically modified crops that produce their own insecticide (‘insect resistant’)

9. Reserves The Arne Nature Reserve – The RSPB run many reserves, or sponsor many reserves around the country. One of these is the Arne in Wareham, Dorset.The Arne Nature Reserve – The RSPB run many reserves, or sponsor many reserves around the country. One of these is the Arne in Wareham, Dorset. Much of it’s flora and fauna are restricted only to this habitat.Much of it’s flora and fauna are restricted only to this habitat. The reserve is an internationally important wintering site for waders and wildfowlThe reserve is an internationally important wintering site for waders and wildfowl The reserve also includes saltmarsh, mudflats and open water to provide for Brent grouse, black-tailed godwits and other wintering birds.The reserve also includes saltmarsh, mudflats and open water to provide for Brent grouse, black-tailed godwits and other wintering birds.