Today the state of the UK’s birds 2016 (SUKB)* report was released, and although the number of species in decline has worryingly increased, this comprehensive report also highlights how targeted conservation efforts can turn around the fortunes of some of our most threatened species.
Red kites, golden eagles and the ground nesting nightjar have all shown significant recoveries thanks to the work of conservation groups.
Staff on our RSPB reserves work hard to create the right environments for these threatened species to thrive, and as breeding season begins we can really start to see the hard work paying off.
Wardens from our Weald reserves have spotted some fantastic species in the last few weeks; why not take a trip and see what you can discover for yourself!
At RSPB Broadwater Warren, near Tunbridge Wells, we recorded our first tree pipit of the year this week. With 14 recorded singing males on site last year, we are hoping to have another good breeding year for this red listed* bird. Yellowhammer, woodlark, green woodpecker, stonechat and a peregrine and a raven have also been recorded on the heath in the last few weeks.
Elusive marsh tits and a lesser redpoll have been seen in the wooded areas of the reserve recently, along with bullfinches and siskins. Marsh tits have also been spotted at our RSPB Tudeley Wood reserve near Tunbridge Wells, where another raven was also sighted, so fingers crossed for a breeding pair this year! Buzzards and a red kite have been recorded hunting across Pembury Heath.
Our weald reserves are also all home to the rare lesser spotted woodpecker; Listen out at RSPB Fore Wood near Battle, at RSPB Broadwater Warren where they have been recorded near the straight broadwalk, or at Decoy Cottage in RSPB Tudeley Wood.
If you do spot anything exciting and unusual on your visits to our reserves we would love to hear about it! Tweet us your findings using @RSPB_Southeast
*This annual report is the one-stop shop for all the latest results from bird surveys and monitoring studies, and it highlights how more than a quarter of the UK’s regularly-occurring bird species are now what conservationists refer to as ‘Red-listed’. We have colour coded the birds above so that you can tell at a glance what status they are; red, amber or green. You can find out more about the status classification here.