The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the scheme which monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK. The principal aims of WeBS are to identify population sizes, determine trends in numbers and distribution and to identify important sites for waterbirds. Monthly co-ordinated counts are made, mostly by volunteers.

WeBS is jointly run by the British Trust for Ornithology, The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

To aid co-ordination, counts should be made on the priority dates listed below, ideally during the morning or, at coastal sites, when tidal conditions
are suitable. If you are unable to count at this time, please select the nearest suitable alternative date in that month.

Monthly WeBS counts are undertaken in Morecambe Bay between Rossall Point and the Conder Estuary, and on the Ribble Estuary between St Annes Beach and Newton Marsh. Help with WeBS Counts is gratefully received as there is often a shortfall of counters. Please contact Jean Roberts JeanRbrts6@aol.com (Morecambe Bay) or Ken Abram (Ribble Estuary) to get involved.

Any help with the WeBS Counts will be gratefully received. Please meet at Pilling Lane Ends car park two hours before high tide January 17th February 14th (HT 1133) March 14th April 18th May 16th June 13th (HT 1231) July 11th (HT 1131) August 15th September 12th (HT 1433) October 10th November 7th (HT 1127) December 5th (HT 1030)