RSPB England

Spring is firmly here, and with it comes the sound of bird song to signal each new day. RSPB England’s, Oriole Wagstaff delves into the magic of the dawn chorus and how you can get involved.

What is the dawn chorus?

From March to July, as each new day dawns many birds start singing. Although birds can sing at any time of day, it’s at dawn around this time of year that birds sing louder, livelier, and more often…

As the May local elections fast approach, RSPB Senior Policy Officer, Nat LeBrun explains how we can all use our voice to remind politicians about the issues that matter to us as voters. If your local patch of nature has mattered to you during lockdown, or the absence of it frustrated you, we urge you to use this moment when politicians are listening to demand change.  

Our elected officials, whether local or national government,…

Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds are ground nesting, including little terns and ringed plovers. RSPB Communications Officer, Oriole Wagstaff, investigates why little terns are in trouble, and what the RSPB is doing to help.

Learn how the results of this year's RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch were record-breaking, and what you can do to continue to help nature.

Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds are ground nesting, including lapwing, redshank and avocet. RSPB Communications Officer, Sydney Henderson, investigates why lapwings are in trouble, and what the RSPB is doing to help.

Yvonne Hunt, RSPB Youth Partnerships Officer, tells us about our exciting partnership with Girlguiding LaSER and how lockdown has seen even more girls and young women turn to nature for a positive boost during these difficult times. (See photo left ...

What wildflowers will you discover this spring? RSPB England’s Becca Smith takes a look at the wonderful world of wildflowers and the wildlife it benefits this April.

England Policy and Advocacy Communications Manager Rupert Masefield reflects on the outlook for nature following recent Government announcements and the launch of new Environment Principles supported by the Arc’s local council leaders.

News on Government’s ambitions for “transformative economic growth” in what has become known as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc has been thin on the ground over the last year, but February…

RSPB England's Sara Humphrey follows black-tailed godwit Hurricane on his migration to Portugal, and explores what can be done to protect these threatened birds.

It’s starting to feel like spring in England! Across the world, that means some incredible wild journeys are underway. For some of our most threatened breeding species, returning home to nest after a winter abroad can mean flying thousands of miles

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With the birds nesting season nearly with us, we are starting to receive reports of HS2 contractors destroying birds nests along the route of the line. The RSPB's Tony Whitehead recalls the advice the RSPB gave last year to any member of the public witnessing such destruction ... 

All nesting birds are offered basic protection in law. We assume HS2Ltd know this. Here’s a quick summary of the key points:

1. Under…

National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) cover a quarter of England. They could and should be leading the nation’s fight against the ecological and climate emergencies, and offering everyone a chance to access nature, but an expert review in 2019 found that they are falling a long way short of their potential. Successive surveys have shown the public appetite for them to play these roles and the…

The world of social media is creating more opportunities for community building and better representation in birdwatching, and new generation of birders are taking to the skies: the rise of the young female birder. For International Women’s Day 2021, we hear from some young female birders, on how they got into birding, and why they enjoy it:

Hannah, 18, @hannahgraceslim

 For me birding began as, and still is, a form…

Donna Zimmer is a campaigner and RSPB volunteer based in Kent. Here she describes the Swanscombe Peninsula, and the work of the “Save Swanscombe Peninsula” Group 

Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent is one of my favourite green spaces. It’s an urban wilderness with an outstanding variety of habitats that attracts some very special species. This includes a wide diversity of invertebrate species, including over 250 species of…

RSPB's Morwenna Alldis reveals how to make your garden a haven for nature this month For me, March is the month of awakening in nature. New leaves and buds are fattening and unfurling. Many creatures that have spent the winter months snoozing, are no...

The Curlew Recovery Partnership is a new, exciting and transformative initiative, bringing together all those with an interest in Curlew conservation, including land managers, farmers, gamekeepers, policymakers and researchers. They are joining forces to help secure the future of one of England’s most iconic and threatened species, the Eurasian Curlew.

As the days get longer and warmer, spring is the perfect time to experience nature bloom, sing and thrive outside our windows. RSPB England’s, Oriole Wagstaff reveals five signs of spring to look out for this month.

RSPB Starlings member, Anna Franklin, and Communications Officer, Sydney Henderson, delve into the history of prominent LGBTQIA+ figures in conservation and natural science.

LGBT+ History Month is an annual, month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history — held every February in the UK — which highlights the many and varied contributions that LGBTQIA+ people have made, and continue to…

 Photo credit: starling by Eleanor Bentall

It’s National Nest Box Week! With so many of us seeking solace in nature to help lift our spirits through lockdown, lots of you are asking us how you can encourage birds to nest in your gardens this year.

Nest boxes have huge benefits for some of our struggling garden species and we know that watching our feathered friends raise new families can provide hours of enjoyment…

RSPB's Morwenna Alldis reveals what kick starts nesting season for our birds, how songbirds construct their incredible nests, and how we can help our garden friends feather their nests this spring. I don’t know about you, but to me it’s f...

The following press release was issued by RSPB England today ... 

The RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Plantlife, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Butterfly Conservation have today expressed concern after Forestry England’s (FE) decision to replant pine trees on precious heathland in Wareham Forest. In the current ecological emergency, they urge FE to begin working with them on a new heathland vision for FE’s estate in Purbeck. 

In…

Today (Thursday 11^th February) is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, so what better time to celebrate the women making a difference in the world of conservation science? As the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, we’re taking a look at what life is like as a woman in conservation science, and advice for others wanting to get into conservation science…

Founded in 1889, the RSPB began…

Discover how wildlife show their affections this February, as well as ways to help show your love for nature from the comfort of your own home ahead of Valentine’s Day.

On 6th May 2021 the England local and mayoral elections will take place. If you are a constituent of one of the local authorities or combined authorities where candidates are up for election, you have the opportunity to vote for what matters to you. Senior Policy Officer, Natalie Le Brun, shares why speaking up now is crucial and we publish the letter Emma Marsh has sent to Sadiq Khan (and many more regional candidates) today…

In celebration of World Wetland Day RSPB’s Sara Humphrey and Morwenna Alldis reveal the importance of the UK’s wetlands and how the RSPB is helping to look after these threatened spaces and the special wildlife that relies on them. Today ...

The RSPB’s Becca Smith tells of how Big Garden Birdwatch is the easiest “thank you” you can give to nature this January and shares her top tips.