Red List Concern For UK Birds

All I Want For Christmas Is… No More UK Red List

How lucky we are to call the UK’s green and pleasant lands home. But whilst we thrive on its increasingly changing landscapes, some of our bird species are less fortunate. As some of you may be aware, this month saw the release of Birds of Conservation Concern 5, the latest review of the status of 245 species with breeding, passage or wintering populations in the UK. The review, which uses data collected in-large by our incredible BTO volunteers, has assessed each species according to a set of criteria, placing them on either the Green, Amber or Red Lists to indicate increasing levels of conservation concern.

This past year, the Red List has reached a very unwelcome peak of 70 species, and is almost double the length of that in the first review in 1996. The Red List now includes the once very familiar House Martin and Swift which, sadly, have seen population declines of 57% and 58% respectively. One bird that has moved from Green to Amber-listed, which may surprise some of you, is the Woodpigeon. Yet, this reallocation isn’t because of a decline in population; in fact, quite the opposite. Woodpigeon numbers have swelled here in the UK which is likely a result of changes to agricultural practices. The UK now holds over 20% of Europe’s Woodpigeons, making our population internationally important. The plight of farmland, woodland and upland birds which were highlighted in previous reviews, are still very much of concern today. Indeed, more species have been Red-listed. Wintering wildfowl and wader species that visit the UK, which again for many, we hold internationally important populations, are also a concern. Bewick’s Swan, Goldeneye, Smew and Dunlin have also joined the Red list. Thankfully, it is not all bad news. You’ll be glad to hear that Song Thrush, Pied Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail, Redwing and Black Redstart have moved off the Red List to Amber, as each have seen their population increase. Due to successful reintroduction projects, the White-tailed Eagle has also moved from Red to Amber-listed. Other species, however, have arrived in the UK of their own accord. Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Bittern and Black-winged Stilt have all colonised the UK and are now breeding here. Whilst we welcome such new additions to our wildlife, it is important to recognise the arrival of new species is likely the result of climate change, and the effects we are having on the environment. With the release of the updated UK Red List and the coming New Year, there is no better time to reflect and review our own behaviours; are we really doing enough to help stem the flow of loss and change to our bird species?

Emily Cuff, BTO

Dunlins have now joined the Red list Image: Edmund Fellowes / BTO

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Now that January has arrived and your Christmas tree is looking slightly threadbare (or is it only mine?) it can be shredded and added to your compost bin. Keep bird feeders topped up and the birds will repay you by eating your garden pests! If the soil is dry and not frozen then wrap up and get a head start clearing any weeds lurking in the borders while they are easily visible. If the ground isn’t frozen one can plant bare rooted roses and shrubs.

It’s not too late to take root cuttings from fleshy rooted plants such as Oriental Poppies and Verbascum. For Oriental Poppies the root should be cut into 3cm (11/4 inch) sections, cut the bottom at an angle and the top straight to easily identify which way up the cutting is! Push cuttings into trays of gritty compost with the flat end uppermost and cover over with 1cm (1/2 inch) of grit to aid drainage. Leave them in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse and after a few months they can be potted on before planting out in late spring. Verbascum root cuttings can be taken in same way but the sections of root need to be slightly longer 5cm (2 inches) long. Winter pruning of apples and pears to remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood can be carried out now. Gooseberries and Redcurrants can be pruned by cutting back sideshoots to 3 buds from the base. To prevent pigeons from enjoying your lunch don’t forget to net your brassicas. If fresh greens from your garden or allotment are in short supply setting a tray of pea shoots is very quick and easy. One can either use any seed left over or buy dried peas from the supermarket. Soak them over night and then just gently push them into a tray of compost and water. Leave on a windowsill and in about 10-14 days you have a crop of delicious pea shoots for salads or stir frying. Happy New Year! Maggie Baldwin

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