'Dramatic freefall': alarm as official data reveals accelerating decline in wild bird populations

Wild bird species face an accelerating decline in the UK, with some species headed for local extinction.

- Helena Horton Environment reporter

Bird numbers have plummeted since the 1970s, and new government data shows that trend continuing; between 2019 and 2024 the species index declined in the UK by 4% and in England by 7%.

Intensive farming practices have had a significant impact on some bird populations, owing 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 making a comeback as farmers create habitats and farm more sustainably. The government 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.