Common Sandpiper Survey 2026
CBC are organising a Common Sandpiper survey for the 2026 breeding season and are looking for expressions of interest from any members who would like to take part.
Cumbria hosts a significant proportion of the English population of Common Sandpiper, but given its river and lakeside breeding habitat, it is likely to be affected by increases in recreation, summer flooding and other pressures during incubation and chick rearing. The 2026 survey will assess occupancy at sites with previous breeding records, as well as covering other suitable areas currently lacking in breeding records.
The survey will involve a minimum of 2 visits to each site in May and June, using linear walks, and / or vantage points to cover historic and potential breeding sites. Reporting will be via paper forms or online submissions, and surveyors can also use the Canvis mapping app to record breeding sandpipers outside of their survey areas.
If you would like to take part, please email us on info@cumbriabirdclub.org.uk, and let us know where you are based and how far you would be willing to travel to carry out surveys.
Common Sandpiper Image: Mike Douglas
Wetland Bird Survey
The Wetland Bird Survey monitors the status of waterbirds in the UK. It is run by the BTO, RSPB, JNCC and WWT and is administered by the BTO. Waterbodies are counted once monthly on or near an appointed date. In Cumbria we have good coverage of sites with most coastal sections and major inland waters counted. However there are vacancies, some of which are of higher priority than others. These are listed in the links below.
The ability to identify waterfowl and a telescope are all that is needed for the survey. Counting on the coast requires more experience as larger numbers of species, more birds and observations at greater distances are involved.
If you would like to help out, please check the BTO map by clicking on ‘Find a vacant site’.
WeBS counters needed for Lake Windermere
February 2026: There is a vacancy for a WeBS counter to cover Lake Windermere. We appreciate that this is a very large water body for one individual to cover. However, as a high priority site we’d be very interested in hearing from anyone who can cover part of the lake.
Please contact Dave Shackleton d.shackleton@btinternet.com for further information.
WeBS counters needed for Duddon sites: Foxfield, Kirby and North Walney
February 2026: We are looking for a WeBS counter to survey at the above sites in south Cumbria. We are particularly keen to find a counter for North Walney which is an important site, although we appreciate it is a long trip unless you live locally. So, if you live in or near Barrow and you’d like to take it on, please contact Dave Shackleton d.shackleton@btinternet.com for further information.