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UK Birds Plummet to Record Lows
13 Oct
Summary
- Nearly half of UK bird species are in decline.
- Farmland and seabird populations are the worst affected.
- Conservation efforts show success for some species like red kites.
Wild bird populations across the UK have fallen to their lowest point since records began, with nearly half of the 132 native breeding species experiencing declines. Between 1970 and 2025, average populations dropped by 19%, with farmland birds and seabirds showing the most significant recent decreases.
Seabirds have seen a decline of over a fifth in the last five years, with avian flu decimating species like Arctic skuas and terns. Farmland birds have decreased by 63% since 1970 and 12% since 2020, largely due to changes in agricultural practices, including reduced pesticide use and the removal of hedgerows.
Despite the overall grim picture, some species are thriving due to conservation efforts. Red kite populations have increased by 48% since 2019, firecrests are up by 300%, and cranes have returned from the brink of extinction. These successes highlight the potential for recovery when conservation interventions are scaled up and adequately funded.
