The PBMS is a unique long-term, national monitoring initiative designed to measure the levels of contaminants in the livers and eggs of selected predatory bird species across Britain. Our aim is to determine the causes and effects of variations in these contaminants between species and regions, and how they change over time. These findings can provide vital information on the risks to vertebrate wildlife and people, and how to mitigate them.

The PBMS provides evidence of the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, including those incorporated into national and international chemicals management programmes.

PBMS project objectives

  • Conduct chemical surveillance and monitoring
  • Identify and track exposure to priority compounds, some of which are regulated
  • Evaluate hazards, assess risk, understand environmental drivers, and assess mitigation success
  • Evaluate specific risks to priority species
  • Assess the effects of contaminants on predatory birds
  • Establish and maintain a tissue and egg archive for research.

Where is the PBMS team located?

The PBMS team is based at UKCEH Lancaster.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Lancaster Environment Centre
Library Avenue
Bailrigg
Lancaster
LA1 4AP
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1524 595830


Image credit

Page header montage includes: Kestrel - Henk Sierdsema; Buzzard and Barn owl - Martin Mollet; Buzzard - Bart Vastenhouw; Kestrel - Jaap Schelvis (all via Saxifraga)