UK’s bird population has declined by 44m in the last 40 years, says study

Volunteer ornithologists saw a dramatic decline in numbers of different bird species in the last four decades.

15:30 20 November 2012

According to a study carried out by volunteer ornithologists, the UK’s bird population has declined by 44million in the last four decades. The number of nesting birds, which reportedly reached 210million in 1966, has seemingly dropped to 166million this year.

 

The main reasons for the decline are said to be changes in farming methods and the weather.

The State of UK’s Birds have reported that further declines are inevitable as birds cope with changes to the environment, and conservationists are understood to be battling for investment in wildlife-friendly farming to be maintained.

 

Doctor Tim Hill, Natural England’s Chief Scientist said, as quoted by the Independent: “The State of the UK's Birds report is a great example of 'citizen science' in action.

 

“Most of the information upon which the report is based is derived from the efforts of the nation's network of skilled volunteer ornithologists who contribute to national monitoring schemes.”

 

Doctor Andy Musgrove, of the BTO, said: “There is still more to learn, though, and we need the continuing support of ever greater numbers of volunteer birdwatchers, on whose efforts all of these numbers are based.”