UK wild birds fall to lowest number ever recorded

UK wild bird numbers fell to their lowest ever, environment department Defra said 13 October 2026. Across 132 UK breeding bird types, average numbers were down 19% from 1970 to 2025. The count, made with RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology and Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will test farm and wildlife plans. The concern is how widespread the fall is.