Species index fell by 4% between 2019 and 2024 – although data shows woodland populations beginning to stabilise
Wild bird species face an accelerating decline in the UK, figures show, with some species heading for local extinction.
Bird numbers have plummeted since the 1970s, and government data shows that trend continuing; between 2019 and 2024 the species index declined in the UK by 4% and England by 7%.
Intensive farming practices have had a significant impact on some bird populations, due to the increase in the use of machinery and pesticides, as well as the removal of habitats such as hedgerows.
In some areas, rare bird species such as turtle doves are now making a comeback as farmers create habitats and farm more sustainably. The report, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, notes that widespread take-up of these practices is required if bird numbers are to recover.
