UK wild bird populations hit lowest level on record, down 19% since 1970

UK wild bird populations fell to their lowest recorded level, Defra reported on 13 October 2026. Average abundance across 132 native breeding species was down 19% from 1970 to 2025. The index, compiled with RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology and Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will test farmland and conservation policy. I see breadth as the warning, not one species.