The Times reports the average number of greenfinches per count in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch in January rose by eight per cent, which the charity said was a “glimmer of hope” following a steep decline in the population since 1993 due to the parasitic disease trichomonosis.
Uncovering Britain’s ancient rainforests
BBC News reports the UK is home to a dwindling swathe of temperate rainforest, and these biodiverse, beautiful habitats are some of the most endangered areas of rainforest in the world…
Guy Shrubsole, founded the website Lost Rainforests of Britain in 2020 in order to track remaining rainforest locations in the UK. He has also begun a petition, lobbying the government to “bring back Britain’s rainforests” as part of wider initiatives to begin rewilding what the World Wildlife Fund labels one of the “most nature-depleted countries in the world”.
Bird flight maps look to cut wind turbine deaths
The Times reports the migratory routes of 1,400 birds have been tracked to find where they would be most vulnerable to being killed by new onshore wind turbines and power lines. Scientists fitted satellite tags to 27 species such as eagles, gulls, owls, storks and swans to create a comprehensive map for the UK, continental Europe and north Africa to guide planning of wind farms and the high-voltage lines needed to carry supplies of renewable energy.
Pleas to save New Forest ground-nesting birds
The BBC report habitats of endangered ground-nesting birds are being increasingly threatened by recreation in the New Forest, conservationists have warned. Prof Russell Wynn of Wild New Forest said populations of both curlew and lapwing have more than halved in the last two decades. Signposts have been put in place to warn visitors of “red areas” known to have nesting populations. Forestry England said the birds were “under real threat”.
Orchards vanishing from the landscape, says National Trust
The BBC reports orchards are vanishing from the landscape with an area the size of the Isle of Wight lost since 1900, according to research carried out by the National Trust. The disappearance of more than half of orchards across England and Wales is having an impact on flora and fauna, the organisation said. Orchards have been torn down to make way for houses and farming.
How to help swifts by installing a bird nest box as energy efficient homes damage breeding hopes
i News reports homeowners renovating period properties are inadvertently destroying nesting sites for endangered birds in a quest to make their homes more energy efficient, conservationists have warned. Swifts usually nest in holes near the roofs of properties, but renovation work is plugging these gaps and making it more difficult for the birds to breed.
Anger after raw sewage pumped into Cotswolds rivers
ITV News reports councillors in the Cotswolds have reacted angrily after yet more raw sewage was pumped into local rivers.
Why rebirding is the new rewilding
The Telegraph reports our migratory birds are in decline – but a new campaign aims to lure them back.
The UK has vital species that can restore nature and ‘help save the world’, from oak trees to lob worms
I News reports conservation groups unite to highlight the role Britain’s plants and animals can play in restoring nature, ahead of crucial COP15 global biodiversity summit.
National Trust creates Northumberland ‘ark’ to protect endangered crayfish
The Guardian reports trust creates refuge for white-clawed crayfish in old cattle drinking hole on Wallington estate near Morpeth.