Since the late 1970s, the UK’s bird population has decreased by a staggering 73 million. This concerning decline has raised alarm among British environmentalists, conservationists, and ornithologists for decades, with some species on the brink of extinction.

Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the bird population in the UK, the reasons for its contraction, and the government’s policies to counteract this issue.

Are UK Birds in Decline?

Unfortunately, UK birds of all species have been in decline for more than 50 years. Since the 1970s, data from the UK government and other environmental organisations has demonstrated a continuous decline, with the greatest drop in numbers occurring between the early 1980s and the early 1990s. According to the RSPB, farmland birds such as skylarks, lapwings, and house sparrows have faced the most significant decline, but across the board, there are many species at risk of disappearing forever.

Why Are They in Decline?

With such a drastic decline, it is important to look at the factors that can be attributed to this sustained loss. One of the primary reasons is the loss of natural habitat. Urban expansion, combined with the destruction of woodlands, wetlands, and hedgerows in the agricultural industry, has left many birds without a place to nest.

The agricultural industry’s increased use of pesticides has also had a detrimental effect on bird populations, poisoning the ground, sources of food, and water throughout the UK. Climate change is another key factor that affects both humans and birds alike. The drastic changes in the British climate and disruptive weather have thrown migration and breeding patterns off for many birds. This has made food sources less available throughout the year, causing many species not to survive the colder months.

Another factor that goes hand in hand with climate change is the increased air and water pollution in the UK and globally. Pollution remains an ongoing problem for all living organisms. Just as humans are affected by poor-quality air, water, and chemical pollutants, so are birds.

How Much Have They Declined?

As of 2022 (the latest figures available from gov.uk), the number of bird species in the UK has dropped by 15 percent since 1970. The decline has been devastating for many bird species, with farmland birds in particular vulnerable to urbanization and destructive agricultural practices.

One of the most concerning and dramatic declines has been seen in the UK’s Turtle Dove population, which has experienced a 97 percent reduction since 1994. The house sparrow is another example of a bird that was once commonplace in British gardens but is now in decline. According to The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), house sparrow populations have declined by nearly 71 percent since 1977.

Policies Affecting UK Birds

Thankfully, there are several policies that the British government has introduced in the last few decades to combat the decline and protect wild birds. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 specifically protects all wild birds, their eggs, and active nests across the UK. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is also periodically updated to identify a list of bird species under significant threat that require immediate protection with clear action plans.

A range of agricultural schemes and policies have also been implemented to incentivize farmers to adopt more bird- and wildlife-friendly practices. However, it is clear that more must be done to reverse this 50-year trend. If we are to prevent the loss of many more species native to the UK, the government must implement more stringent measures.

Support local conservation efforts, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and consider making your garden wildlife-friendly. By increasing awareness and taking action, we can work towards reversing this troubling trend and preserving the rich biodiversity that defines the UK. Join the fight for bird conservation today!