My PhD research aims to estimate the abundance of the UK's birds to develop a reference value under the Favourable Conservation Status (FCS) concept. A species in FCS would be thriving and self-sustaining in the long run. However, no quantitative methodology is agreed upon for determining the favourable population size. I will use species distribution modelling to estimate current and alternative abundance estimates to develop a favourable reference value for population sizes. MSc Wildlife Management graduate with distinction. My thesis aimed to determine the biological characteristics of bird and mammal species that have avoided extinction. My BSc Biology degree specialised in ecology, biodiversity and conversation. In my dissertation I designed a new citizen science project for a stakeholder (NGO 'Conker Tree Science') to examine the role of birds as ecosystem service providers.