‘Shocking and sobering’: UK bird populations fall to lowest level on record
Nearly half of species are in decline, with farmland birds and seabirds the worst hit, conservation bodies have said
TL;DR
- UK wild bird populations have fallen to their lowest level on record.
- Average populations of 132 native breeding species declined by 19% between 1970 and 2025.
- Farmland birds have decreased by 63% since 1970, and seabirds are down over a fifth in the last five years.
- Avian flu has significantly impacted seabird populations.
- 45% of monitored species have declined over the past five years, while only 27% have increased.
- Specific species like turtle doves, swifts, and bullfinches show substantial declines.
- Conservation efforts for species like red kites, firecrests, and cranes have led to significant population increases.
- Experts emphasize the need for increased funding and larger-scale conservation interventions to reverse these trends.