This September, Rutland Water is marking a major milestone by celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Wetland Bird Survey. 

Recognised worldwide as a haven for waterbirds, especially during the winter months, the UK's mild climate and variety of wetland habitats making this country and ideal place for migratory birds. 

Rutland Water is a shining example of this, with over 6 million birds recorded by the Wetland Bird Survey since launching in 1975. 

Over 6 million birds have been recorded at Rutland Water as part of the survey (Photo: Rod Baker)

Of these 6 million birds, 131 different species have been recorded. 

For the last 50-year, hardworking volunteers and Nature Reserve staff have been turning out in all-weather to carry out important monthly waterbird counts across Rutland to complete their part of the nationwide Wetland Bird Survey organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. 

The main goal of the survey is to monitor wintering waterbird populations and assess the ecological health of Rutland Water, which is a specially protected site because of the endangered waterfowl population. 

Great Crested Grebes at Rutland Water (Photo: Rob Barker)

The data collected through the survey will help track long-term population trends and offer insights into how the birds respond to key environmental factors like climate change. 

As Rutland Water celebrates this special anniversary, the staff and volunteers at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust hope to inspire a new generation of volunteers to get involved and continue this vital conservation work.