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.

Any help with the WeBS Counts will be gratefully received. Please meet at Pilling Lane Ends car park two hours before high tide 13th January high tide 14.19 9.0 metres 10th February high tide 13.16 9.6 metres 9th March high tide 12.13 9.8 metres 6th April high tide 12.08 9.7 metres 18th May high tide 11.11 8.3 metres 22nd June high tide 14.22 8.1 metres 20th July high tide 13.28 8.5 metres 17th August high tide 12.30 8.7 metres 14th September high tide 11.28 8.7 metres 19th October high tide 14.48 9.0 metres 16th November high tide 12.53 9.4 metres 14th December high tide 11.57 9.6 metres