“Shocking and Sobering”: UK Wild Bird Populations Fall to Record Low

Wild bird populations in the UK have reached their lowest level since records began, according to figures for 132 native breeding species. Their average populations fell by 19% between 1970 and 2025. Nearly half of monitored species declined over the past five years, with seabirds and farmland birds among the hardest hit. Farmland bird populations have fallen 63% since 1970. Experts cite agricultural changes and avian flu among the pressures, while conservationists say effective recovery is possible with stronger, better-funded action.