Record year for Dartford warblers

DARTFORD warblers saw a record year in 2025 as the species continues to bounce back from the brink of extinction in the UK, the RSPB said.

- REBECCA SPEARE-COLE

The birds' numbers rose thanks to mild winters and conservationists restoring their heathland habitat

The small charismatic birds, which are currently on the 'amber list' for conservation concern, suffered a population crash in the 1960s because of cold winters, which left only a few breeding pairs in Dorset.

But more than 264 pairs were counted on RSPB nature reserves last year, marking a 44% increase in five years, according to a national survey.

The grey-brown birds were recorded at 14 RSPB nature reserves, including 97 pairs at RSPB Arne, 25 at RSPB Aylesbeare, 41 at RSPB Minsmere and 23 at RSPB Farnham Heath.

The total number of pairs in 2025 marks the highest ever recorded, with the RSPB saying the birds' comeback is partly thanks to staff and volunteers restoring their heathland habitat.