Giving godwits a headstart

We've been rearing and releasing black-tailed godwits at our project sites to boost the population.

Meet the godwits

Creating the perfect habitat

Project Godwit focuses on two wetland sites in the east of England – the Ouse Washes and Nene Washes. Here conservationists are aiming to grow the black-tailed godwit population by enhancing godwit habitat and trialling methods to increase productivity.

Our project sites

Seen a godwit?

We've been colour ringing black-tailed godwits to learn more about their migration. If you see a ringed bird, please tell us about it.

Report a sighting

Looking for homeschooling resources?

We have a classroom pack aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2: lesson plans, activities, worksheets, colouring sheets, and lots more.

Download resources

#OhMyGodwits

Help us create a godwit flock!

Add to the flock
The Project Godwit team on tenterhooks as the release pen is opened

About the project

Find out about how Project Godwit is helping black-tailed godwits in the UK.

Learn more >

Black-tailed godwit chicks. Photo by Bob Ellis/WWT.

Meet the headstarted birds

View profiles of a selection of the birds headstarted by the project, and follow their lives from hatching.

Learn more >

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Project resources

Downloadable resources, including education materials, publications and articles produced by the project.

Learn more >

Key project stats

km
of ditches improved
km
of fencing installed
birds released
local people engaged
%
population increase

Time remaining

Day
Hour
Minute
Second

Project Godwit is a partnership between RSPB and WWT with major funding from the EU LIFE Nature Programme, The HSBC 150th Anniversary Fund, Natural England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project aims to secure the future of black-tailed godwits in the UK.

Join our godwit flock!

If you are part of a school or community group close to the project sites then you could become a Godwit Guardian. Becoming a Godwit Guardian is a free, fun way to get involved in Project Godwit, by linking you to one of our headstarted birds.

Become a Godwit Guardian