Great Bustard Group

14/06/2026

For the first time, the Great Bustard Group has radio tagged a wild hatched chick as part of our ongoing efforts to better understand habitat use, movements and mortality in young great bustards.

Following the discovery and monitoring of the nest by the GBG team, and after careful consideration of the potential conservation benefits, we took the decision to fit a lightweight radio transmitter to the chick.

The tagging itself was carried out under licence by an experienced ringer from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, whose expertise enabled the transmitter to be fitted safely and efficiently. Since then, GBG have been tracking the bird and collecting data that will help improve future management and conservation of the Great Bustard.

05/06/2026

On this Wiltshire Day, we're especially proud to see this remarkable species representing the county.

The Great Bustard disappeared from the UK nearly 200 years ago, but today, thanks to the efforts of the Great Bustard Group and our many supporters, these spectacular birds can once again be seen across Wiltshire.

Happy Wiltshire Day from all of us at the Great Bustard Group!

02/06/2026

At first glance, this might not seem like the most amazing photograph but for us, it's incredibly exciting!

Across south Wiltshire, we have already identified more than 25 Great Bustard nests this season, with each one monitored closely. After a female leaves her nest, we carefully examine the site for clues about what has happened.

The large pieces of white membrane visible in this photo are one of the best indicators of a successful hatch. Encouragingly, we have continued to record an excellent hatch rate once again this year, giving us every reason to be optimistic about another successful breeding season.

27/05/2026

Well hello there little one!

We went through over 8500 trail camera photos to spot this very well camouflaged chick hiding in plain sight…

Can you see it?

17/05/2026

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-05-11/Great-bustard-numbers-surge-in-Inner-Mongolia-thanks-to-grassland-conservation--1N3sh1Coww0/p.html

The number of great bustards in Xilingol, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has jumped to over 150, a 10‑year high. The growth has been driven by effective grassland protection measures including grazing bans and rotational grazing. One

15/05/2026

We now have many active nests, and yesterday brought the first confirmed hatch of chicks 🐣

Our dedicated volunteer drone team have been out 6 days a week, scouring Salisbury Plain and the surrounding areas to help ensure the safety of nesting females and minimise disturbance during this critical time. All nests and chicks will continue to be carefully monitored throughout the breeding season.

Every successful hatch is another important step forward for the recovery of this magnificent species in the UK.

Thank you to everyone supporting the project and helping us protect these incredible birds.

New podcast on droning, nest finding and Great Bustard conservation by Nigel Timms, one of our dedicated volunteers : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411756/episodes/19074121

12/05/2026

You can help the Great Bustard by playing the Wiltshire Community Lottery.

https://www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk/support/great-bustard-group

It is Wiltshire County Bird. The GBG needs funds to protect nests and provide good habitat for chicks. Help the Great Bustard by playing the Wiltshire Community Lottery at just £1 a ticket.

29/04/2026

Limited spaces left - Great Bustard Photography Hide.

Join us in our carefully positioned photo hide overlooking the Great Bustard lek, with entry from 06:30 so you’re perfectly set for the best of the action. As the light builds, these incredible birds begin their dramatic courtship displays, a dream opportunity for any wildlife photographer.

Don’t miss out, once these final spots are gone in May, that’s it for the season.

Bookings: https://www.store.greatbustard.org/service-page/photograph-the-lek-1

24/04/2026

If it’s not hares chewing through the wires, or the inquisitive red deer knocking them over, it’s Great Bustards attacking our monitoring cameras! Vandals, the lot of them 😉