The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS) is a partnership of eight organisations and currently focuses primarily on the annual monitoring of the abundance, distribution and breeding success of 19 raptor species (diurnal birds of prey, owls and the Raven) native to Scotland. The SRMS was first established on 24 June 2002 and we celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2022.
The work of the Scheme is overseen by the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Group (SRMG) who manage the work programme of the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Officer (SRMO).
SRMS mission
Working in partnership to support a network of engaged and dedicated individuals and organisations to robustly monitor the health of our raptor populations and deliver quality assured data and information to make a positive impact for raptors in Scotland.
SRMS objectives
Co-operation
To maintain and increase partnership working between the various bodies responsible for collecting, collating and analysing information on Scottish raptors.
Promotion
To promote raptor monitoring in Scotland, including developing the ‘Raptor Patch’ initiative to encourage new volunteers into raptor monitoring, increasing awareness of the SRMS and volunteer opportunities afforded through the SRSG and other Scheme partners, and increasing the visibility of data and information available from the Scheme.
Survey and monitoring
To collect, through appropriate survey design, robust data on breeding raptors, owls and raven within Scotland and to improve geographical coverage strategically to deliver SRMS trends reporting and other key needs of SRMS partners.
Data analysis & reporting
To deliver high and compatible standards for the collation, curation, auditing, analysis and reporting of data annually.
Data and information sharing & dissemination
To ensure ongoing availability of SRMS data in line with the SRMS Data Sharing & Use Policy and to seek to enhance the variety of information products for a range of end users to support raptor conservation.
Sustainability
To ensure the future benefits of SRMS by securing resources to implement and develop its work programme.