UK Bird Populations Continue to Decline,Facing ‘Dramatic Freefall’
London – New data reveals ongoing declines in UK wild bird populations,with several species experiencing notable drops,prompting calls for increased conservation efforts.Farmland bird populations have fallen by approximately 62% over the long term and 11% in the short term, with specialist species suffering steeper losses then generalists.
The report,released by Defra,highlights notably worrying trends for species like the turtle dove,gray partridge,and tree sparrow. Lapwing and yellowhammer numbers have plummeted by more than 65% over the longer period and continue to decline sharply in recent years, both in England and across the UK. While woodland bird populations appear to be stabilizing with increased habitat restoration,concerns remain about the green woodpecker,which has seen a 22% decline as 2018.
“New data shows once again concerning declines in farmland birds,” said Alice Groom, RSPB’s head of sustainable land use policy. “What we’ve seen for the past 50 years – that yellowhammers, turtle doves, lapwing, and othre farmland birds are in a dramatic freefall.”
the findings underscore the urgency of the UK government’s target to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and increase species abundance. The RSPB is advocating for well-funded,nature-friendly farming schemes that enable farmers to dedicate 10% of their land to nature,providing essential resources for rebounding bird populations.Groom emphasized the need to ensure continued funding for farmers already participating in such schemes.
The government has been contacted for comment.
Related: Swifts’ decline: how can Britons help these remarkable birds?
