Uist Wader Research
This project was established in 2000 in response to concern about declines in the internationally important wader populations which nest on the islands of North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist at very high density. These ground nesting birds were found to be in decline over most of the previous 25 years and extensive research showed that this was largely due to predation of their eggs by hedgehogs.
In 2011, the project started a new phase: a four-year research programme into the islands breeding wader populations. This will improve our understanding of the waders, the factors affecting these and their relative importance. Alongside this, efforts will continue into preventing hedgehogs re-colonising areas already cleared. Animals found on North Uist and Benbecula will continue to be translocated to mainland Scotland.
Aims of the project
Find out why the waders of the Uists are under threat and what is being done to help them recover.
Uist waders
Information about the breeding waders on North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist in the Western Isles.