Our new paper just published in December's British Birds describes how we have successfully developed sound recording 'Bioacoustics' as a tool for the detection and monitoring of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. We have found Lesser Spots still present in woodlands where they have not been seen/heard for years. This is a very exciting -

Bioacoustics as a tool for the detection and monitoring of a scarce woodland bird – the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Summary: Having declined massively in numbers and range in Britain over the last few decades, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dryobates minor is a priority species for conservation action. However, its low numbers and infrequent drumming and calling mean it is an elusive species, making it a challenge to see, let alone monitor. In this paper we describe our trials of a novel approach to detecting the species – passive acoustic monitoring. This has proved highly successful in detecting Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in trials at known sites in the New Forest, Hampshire. Subsequently, we have used the technique to successfully detect the species at many new sites across Sussex, Hampshire, Somerset and Kent, changing our perceptions of its numbers and distribution. For the first time, we have the makings of a practical method of monitoring Lesser Spotted Woodpecker numbers and distribution in Britain. Link to full British Birds article

Sarah Harris, British Birds Editor, said ‘As a patch birder in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, I know only too well how elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers can be. It is therefore encouraging to discover how practical and repeatable monitoring methods are being developed, with modern technology in mind, for a species suspected of becoming quieter as numbers decline and therefore less detectable. Let us hope that, before it is too late, we might be able to expand our monitoring contributions, discover or rediscover sites, and help to conserve this wonderful bird.’

Woodpecker-Network/ LesserSpotNet volunteers, in co-operation with County Bird Clubs, are developing plans for 2026 to use passive sound recorders in suitable woodlands to find more Lesser Spots. See photo of recorder set up in woodland. The BTO should have the classifier for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calls and drums available in the new year. We are looking for volunteers to help to deploy sound recorders in Spring 2026 in Wales, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent. If you would like to help, please get in touch via our contact page.

Reference: Bioacoustics as a tool for the detection and monitoring of a scarce woodland bird – the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Authors: Ken Smith, Linda Smith, Naomi Addleton, Rob Clements, Sarah Fisk, Simon Gillings (BTO), Mark Mallalieu, Heather Mathieson and Angus Robin

Published in British Birds, Vol 118, December 2025, pages 658–667