GWCT Science

Developing scientifically researched game and wildlife management techniques, to improve biodiversity across the countryside.

[The Allerton Project @AllertonProject]

‘Field Drainage: The Foundation of Regenerative Agriculture?’

In the final live webinar in the @EnvFarmersGroup Knowledge Hub Project, we will be exploring the vital role of drainage through the launch of our new field drainage trial.

Register here: https://t.co/gYQiIhI9l6

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

“Environmental safeguards like so‑called ‘fish discos’ aren’t blockers to growth — they enable it responsibly.” — Tessa Wardley, The Rivers Trust, partner in the Missing Salmon Alliance (alongside GWCT)

🔗 Read the full blog: https://t.co/Wu52hOLDdo

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

🐞Spotted, round and shiny, ladybirds are arguably one of the few beetles everyone can recognise.

Delve a little deeper however, and the harlequin ladybird has got to be one of the most confusing and contested species found in the UK.

Find out more:
https://t.co/iHCs71sklC

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

🔴Do you recognise this Red-listed farmland species?

🐦Our researchers are investigating disease in Tree Sparrows potentially contributing to their declines. Each bird is gently cheek-swabbed and then released.

This work is carried out by fully licensed bird ringers.

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Amid many reports of species declines, it’s refreshing to share some good news:

The redshank population is continuing to thrive in the Avon Valley thanks to the conservation work of the GWCT and local wildlife managers -> https://t.co/yhWWR9Dg9V

All birds handled under license.

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

"For me, that hovering silhouette has always been a symbol of the countryside - Familiar yet thrilling... But behind the elegance lies a more fragile story... they are now Amber-listed as a species of conservation concern."

Read about our Kestrels work:
https://t.co/ZKIUVB1mIX

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Barn Owls are a magical sight across our countryside and across the GWCT our scientists are working hard to support their populations.

Read our blog on the importance of providing homes for Barn Owls: https://t.co/Pk8kk4Tdko

Photo credit: Oly Berriman

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Black Grouse breeding on the North York Moors for the first time in 200 years! 🐣

@BBCNews reported on the fantastic reintroduction work our uplands research team has been involved with!

See here, skip to ~13:00-15:30 minutes: https://t.co/p57WourJE3

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Despite their larger than life and terrifying reputation Asian hornets are actually smaller and less brightly coloured than our docile native hornet species.🐝
Correct identification is crucial! 🔍

For more information read our blog:
https://t.co/ARLOuJiYvY

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Did you spot our Fisheries Scientists on @itvnews?

The team spoke about the decline of #wildsalmon and how #farmers are working together to improve #river conditions 🐟

Watch is back here: https://t.co/2UZ72KD1vs

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Don't miss our webinar this Wednesday 24th of September 2025 ‼️

Inside Farmer Clusters: Lessons from Europe and the UK 🌱

The FRAMEwork project piloted Farmer Clusters across 9 countries and now the results ready to share!

Find out more here
https://t.co/T42xywLbNn

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Our Farmland Ecology research team has shared a new blog, amongst other crucial insights, she offers a first-hand perspective on why hedgerows are so important for wildlife and farming 🌱

[Dr Juliet Turner @juliet_turner6]

Curious how we're working with farmers to boost biodiversity in the countryside? 🌾🐝

I just wrote a blog for @GWCT about my research on pollinators & wild plants in farmland this summer

Read it here 🌱👇

https://t.co/2sawHhQqQm @GWCTScience

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Did you see this paper⁉️DNA sequencing has uncovered specialised gut microbes in red grouse, never before described by science. Findings could help improve grouse health and survival.

https://t.co/PLB476mR0n

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Lovely footage from recent Grey Partridge Counts in Sussex 😍

[Francis Buner @fbuner]

Counting #greypartridge at our @Gameandwildlife long-term study site in Sussex, England, is always a highlight of my field season. This is our 58th year, of which I have been part of the last 20. Having a large covey walk past close by gets me excited every time.

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

🌱New publication from the Framework project: Forming and managing a Farmer Cluster for improved farmland biodiversity in Europe.

The study across nine European countries explores setting up a cluster and strategies for success!

Read:
https://t.co/kJfJPnQSpq

@RachealNichols

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

#Redgrouse numbers in Scotland down 35% in 2025 due to poor 2024 breeding season📉

GWCT Dr Nick Hesford & Dr Felix Meister spoke to @bbcalba & @BBCRadioScot about the results.

Listen here: https://t.co/cqsvi0TRvK

More info: https://t.co/DjEATaL4AS

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Incredible footage from our Uplands team!😱

While monitoring #RedGrouse nests the team found a young female #adder inspecting the egg remains...🐍

This is nest from a #radiotagged hen in the red grouse project. Luckily for the grouse the nest had hatched 4 days earlier!🐣

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

First nest of newly hatched #cornbunting chicks has been found for 2025! 🐣

These are part of a #nest monitoring project in our #farmlandecology department.

The project aims to better understand key parts of their ecology, such as their fledging success and diet. 🪱🐛

[GWCT Science @GWCTScience]

Did you spot our #conservationists on ITV news⁉️

Our #BlackGrouse Translocation Project in the Uplands was featured! 💚

Black Grouse lekking behaviour is a special sight and hopefully this project will bring it back to more of the UK.

If you missed it:
https://t.co/AyqiEzAxWH

[The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust @Gameandwildlife]

⏰ Time is ticking for Curlew in Wales

The Curlew Connections Wales Project is fighting to save the Curlew #WorldCurlewDay