Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme

The Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) monitors the abundance and breeding success of the UK’s native geese and migratory swans during the non-breeding season.

The Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) is a suite of species-specific surveys which monitors the different populations of geese (including Pink-footed, Barnacle, Bean, Brent, Greater White-fronted and Greylag) throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, to provide data for the conservation of their populations. The scheme also includes a quinquennial International Swan Census, which focuses on Whooper and Bewick's Swans.

The UK supports 13 internationally important populations of native geese and migratory swans. Many of the species which comprise these populations are Red or Amber-listed in the UK, and it is vital that we have up-to-date information on their status and health.

Scheme participants, both non-professional and professional surveyors, visit sites in the autumn and winter months to count numbers of migratory geese and swans and, where possible, do age assessments on the number of young birds present to monitor breeding success.

The GSMP network is comprised of a variety of organisations, groups and individuals involved in goose and swan monitoring throughout the UK, as well as in other countries which are covered by the birds' migratory flyways.