The distribution and numbers of birds in the UK are changing dramatically, with many species experiencing worrying declines according to the new report, which shows that some of the species faring the worst are birds that specialise on particular habitats, such as particular types of woodland or farmland.
Turtle doves: In 1970, there were 100 turtle doves for every two found in England today; a staggering 98% population reduction. These once-widespread farmland birds are now restricted to parts of southern and eastern England, with conservation partnerships like Operation Turtle Dove racing to restore habitat in key breeding areas. Working with the support of local communities and landowners, supplementary feeding and government agri-environment schemes are used to offer remaining breeding populations a vital lifeline.
Willow tits: A woodland specialist species, show the second biggest decline of any common and widespread English bird, with the population falling by 94% since 1970. Recently featured on BBC’s Autumnwatch at RSPB Old Moor; these small, shy birds suffer from habitat fragmentation and lack of suitable nesting sites. Projects across the UK, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s ‘Back from the Brink’ project, led by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, are trying to reconnect corridors of habitat to help give these and other declining woodland specialists a better chance of survival.
The report also highlights new figures estimating that there are 83 million pairs of native breeding birds in the UK. Comparison with previously published figures, indicates that there are now 19 million fewer pairs of native breeding birds in the UK compared to the late 1960s. Because the numbers of some species have increased, wren being one example, the scale of the numbers actually lost is much bigger, at some 43 million pairs overall. House sparrows have been hit the hardest and there are now 10.7 million fewer pairs than in 1966. The wren population has grown by 6.5 million pairs and is the most numerous bird species in the UK.
The report does contain better news for some species. In England, stone curlews, cirl buntings and roseate terns are responding well to targeted conservation work. Thanks to the focused conservation efforts of the Roseate Tern EU Life+ Recovery project, over 120 roseate tern chicks fledged from RSPB Coquet Island reserve this spring. Also, thanks to dedicated species recovery advice and the delivery bespoke options within agri-environment schemes, the cirl bunting has increased nine-fold since the late 1980s (to over 1,000 pairs), saving the species from extinction in the UK.
Climate change is predicted to impact UK bird populations in several ways and, for example, is behind the increases in numbers of Cetti’s warblers. Yet sea level rise and increasing spring storm surges now add to the threats already faced by beach nesting birds, such as little terns and ringed plovers.
Despite the survey’s findings, the huge positive impact that volunteers have made by donating time to monitor, survey and protect nesting species cannot be ignored. Their time has helped identify declines and enabled quick conservation action to be taken for some species in trouble. This year, Covid-19 had an unavoidable impact on many monitoring projects but it also inspired new generations of wildlife lovers to find solace in nature during lockdown.
Emma Marsh – Director, RSPB England said: “While the data seems daunting, there is still hope for reversing the fortunes of our threatened species. By working together; conservation organisations, partners and communities, supported by government investment in better land management, can really can make a difference. This year, Covid-19 has really bought home how much we rely on nature to lift our spirits and inspire hope. We hope even more people have now been inspired to play a vital part in donating time, resources and funding to help save our most threatened species and habitats.”
Fiona Burns, lead author of the State of the UK’s Birds 2020 said: “The UK’s birds are telling us that nature is in retreat. The continuing losses seen across many species are not sustainable and more needs to be done to stop the declines and help populations revive and recover. These findings are in line with our earlier State of Nature 2019 report which found that 41% of all UK species are declining. More action is needed if we are to tackle the nature crisis.”
David Noble, Head & Principal Ecologist, BTO: "Volunteers are absolutely critical to the long-term monitoring of many of the UK’s bird species. Their time and skill is invaluable to conservation; tracking changes, flagging species in trouble, or doing well, and ultimately providing information to assist informed decision making. We are so grateful to the thousands of volunteers across England who allow this to be possible - thank you to everyone who contributed records towards this report."
Natural England Ornithologist, Phil Grice, said: “There are some very welcome increases in some of our scarcest birds, such as the bittern, cirl bunting and red kite. The rich source of evidence we have in England helps us to create policies and conservation interventions which seek to recover our most threatened birds, and also to evaluate their success.
“The key challenge now is to expand the reach of our partnership to aid the recovery of more widespread species, through initiatives such as the Nature Recovery Network and the Environmental Land Management Scheme.”