Thank you to our advertisers for helping cover the costs of this magazine, saving more money for nature. To advertise, email rspbclassifieds@ourmedia.co.uk
Contact us
Magazine
RSPBmagazine@rspb.org.uk (photos max 3MB each, no watermarks)
The RSPB Magazine, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL
Advertisements in The RSPB Magazine are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Adverts are not endorsed by the RSPB, unless otherwise stated.
The RSPB Magazine is available on CD for visually impaired members. Call 01767 693680 for information.
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the RSPB. While every effort is taken to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.
Circulation 560,824 Jan–Dec 2024 (ABC); The RSPB has 1,154,485 members.
Registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. Member of BirdLife International.
Designed, edited and published by Our Media Limited. Printed by William Gibbons.
Our Media Company is working to ensure that all of its paper comes from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. This magazine is printed on Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified paper. This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging.
Welcome
... to the member takeover issue of The RSPB Magazine! Many of the topics and species in this issue were chosen by members, just like you – and us! We’re Zara and Masoud, and we’re nature lovers, birdwatchers and proud RSPB members.
Being part of this community has changed how we see the world. We now notice the small wonders around us: the Robin’s early song, the flight of a Wren, even the RSPB signs on country walks. These moments bring us joy and a sense of belonging. We’ve started sharing bird videos on our YouTube channel (@mradventurefamily), hoping to inspire others to pause, watch and reconnect with nature. It’s our way of giving back.
Membership means hope – not just for wildlife, but for all of us. It reminds us that individual actions, when joined together, can lead to powerful change. We’re proud to be part of something that will protect nature for generations to come.
This issue includes stories that have truly moved us. The feature on page 33 about how nature has helped RSPB members through grief and illness is a powerful reminder of the natural world’s healing power. We also loved reading about Curlews on page 18 and exploring Lochwinnoch on p50.
We hope that this issue inspires you as much as it has inspired us.
Choose the digital edition and read this issue online to enjoy extra content, such as our summer quiz.
Protecting habita ts, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency.
Masoud Kabiri and Zara Jalilian RSPB members since 2018
Beccy Speight
A membership with meaning
Beccy Speight has been the RSPB’s Chief Executive since 2019 and has led the organisation through some of nature’s most urgent challenges.
@beccyRSPB
I always love meeting the RSPB’s members. Almost six years ago, when I first learned that I had this job, I happened to mention it to someone I met on a walk. They turned out to be a long-term supporter of the charity and the emotional connection that they felt with the organisation and its work was palpable as they wished me luck in the new role. They seemed almost as excited as I was!
At last summer’s inspiring Restore Nature Now march in London I was constantly approached by people wanting to offer not only their support, but their views and even some challenges to the policies and direction of the RSPB. As I listened, it was obvious that each cared passionately about the RSPB and its cause. It was an organisation and community in which they felt fully invested.
Members have been at the heart of the RSPB since its creation. The women that created the RSPB used their grassroots networks of friends and connections to campaign against the use of feathers in the fashionable hat trade. These first members finally succeeded in changing the law and in July 1921 the Plumage Act passed, banning the import of plumage – a landmark moment.
With a current membership of almost 1.2 million, we now have more members than all the UK political parties combined. That’s why governments should listen to us. We represent the views of a large swathe of the voting public,
‘We are only as strong as our membership. Like any longterm relationship, maintaining it takes work. We must listen and be relevant’
united by a love of nature and a desire to see it protected and restored. Our membership is a broad church, drawn from across the entire political spectrum. And that gives us a credibility that opens doors as we seek to speak up for nature.
Because of our membership, we are also one of the biggest civil society organisations in the country, and the role of civil society matters. It plays a vital part in our democracy by giving people a voice outside of business, government and political parties. We can hold decision makers to account, campaign for change, and help protect the birds and wildlife that we all love. In times of uncertainty, it is a shared cause that helps us stay connected, encourages openness, and reminds us that we all have a part to play in shaping the world around us.
And we are only as strong as our membership. Like any long-term relationship, maintaining it takes work. We must listen and be relevant to people’s lives. You, our members, need to feel that what we are doing matters. That is why we are increasingly engaging the membership in some of our most important decisions. For example, members fed into our latest 10-year organisational strategy to make sure that what we are doing and how we do it makes sense to the people that so crucially support us. And we value talking to those of you who live locally about the improvements and changes that we sometimes need to make at our nature reserves to keep them operating effectively. Our members are amazing and together we can achieve so much. Thank you for being a part of the RSPB.
We want to explore more ways for members to get involved. The first of these opportunities, A Night of Nature, is happening in September and you can find out more on page 77.
I am delighted to say that this is a ‘member takeover’ issue of the magazine. What you read in these pages are the thoughts and words of just some of our amazing members. The content is yours and I am excited to read it. And I hope you read and enjoy it, too.
Bring the horizon to you
Get closer to the action with Nikon Sport
Optics’ range of new technology binoculars
Enjoying the great outdoors can take you to some of the world’s most scenic places. Whether you’re hiking Ben Nevis, cycling King Alfred’s Way or birdwatching at RSPB Loch Garten, having the right binoculars can enhance your experience. But what pair is best suited for your adventures?
PROSTAFF P7
Wherever your journey takes you, your Prostaff P7 will brave all landscapes with ease. From long hikes to bumpy cycle routes, the rubber armour allows for a firm grip and protects it from any knocks or drops.
Between the waterproof and fog-free design, ideal for bad conditions, and the wide field of view, perfect for capturing fast moving wildlife, you won’t miss a thing.
MONARCH M7
Explore the wonders of the natural world with the Monarch M7’s unprecedented visibility. Whether you’re watching birds take flight at high speed or simply building a nest in the garden, experience these breathtaking moments with flawless clarity.
And if you don’t want the moment to end, the Monarch M7 is Tripod mountable, meaning you can enjoy all the same exciting views hands free.
STABILIZED
Watch closely as a bird of prey glides through the sky or marvel at a Starling murmuration with the smallest and lightest image-stabilised binoculars around.
With Nikon’s stabilised technology, you can witness all the wildlife, nature and landscapes that you love the way they were meant to be seen. No matter where you go, these compact, featherlight binoculars are up to the challenge of bringing you the steadiest views.
Pick your newest travel companion from the Nikon Sport Optics range of binoculars taking you as far as the eye can see – and further.
Visit www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/ products/sport-optics/binoculars to explore the full range of products
This season
10 Days out in nature: head outdoors for plenty of family fun
11 Nature notes: Nicola Chester on the value of membership
12 Photography: Ben Andrew answers your photography questions
14 ID challenge: learn to ID seabirds
15 Species focus: all about Swifts
16 Designed by nature: how do birds of prey learn to hunt?
Comment
05 Beccy Speight: the RSPB’s members are the lifeblood of the organisation
25 Simon Barnes: as summer fades, some of our best-loved birds show up
78 David Lindo: on sharing nature stories
Action for nature
40 People: the Species Volunteer Network makes a difference
42 Places: Hope Farm celebrates 25 years
46 Science: Orkney wildlife increases thanks to community action
Features
18 Wildlife: how communities and nature charities are protecting the call of the Curlew to give hope for the future
26 Bigger picture: the UK nature organisations pulling together on the latest bird-feeding research and policy
33 Member feature: nature and me! Wildlife shapes the lives of these RSPB members
50 Our places: step into nature at the stunning waterways of Lochwinnoch
71 Our work: thanks to your support, RSPB nature reserves are saving species
82 Takeouts: three things to think about and do after reading this issue
Together for nature
58 Your stories: this grassroots surveying group is helping birds of prey
59 Your say: your letters and stories
60 Your photos: share your pictures with us
62 Your gardens: take a peek inside David Domoney’s famous garden
66 Your questions: The RSPB answers your wildlife queries and species ID mysteries
On the cover
page 18,
On
read about the people working hard to save the Curlew. Photo: Andrew Parkinson (Alamy Stock Photo)
Part garden, part TV set and all-round wildlife success!
This season
What to see in nature | Great days out | Ways to help wildlife
Species
Pied Flycatcher
Pied Flycatchers nest in our temperate rainforests: the oak woodlands typically found on the western side of England, Scotland and Wales. As well as birds that have bred or fledged in the UK this summer making their way south, we also see Pied Flycatchers migrating from Scandinavia to spend our winter in Africa.
Adult males are unmistakable in their black and white colours, but in autumn you are most likely to see birds in their first-winter plumage. These resemble adult females and are brown with black and white wings and tails. When the UK breeding Pied Flycatchers arrive in spring it’ll be around two weeks sooner than it would have been in the 1950s. They need to adapt to our changing climate as the caterpillars and other insects that they and their chicks depend on are emerging earlier in the spring.
This topic was chosen by Jo Hutchinson, member since 2014. “I have many fond memories of watching nesting pairs of Pied Flycatchers in Fingle Wood. They’re so hypnotic to watch as they loop back and forth in the forest canopy.”
Words: Jamie Wyver. Photo: Robin Fox (Alamy Stock Photo)
Days out in nature
Outdoor fun for everyone
Sleep under the stars, see seals and dolphins or even watch some jousting!
1. Big Wild Sleepout
RSPB Conwy
Bring your camping supplies and sleep under the stars on an RSPB nature reserve for the Big Wild Sleepout. This summer holiday event is for learning about and enjoying the wildlife that comes out after dark – see what goes on at RSPB Conwy after hours! Enjoy brilliant bats, marvellous moths and tasty treats around the campfire. From 6pm on Saturday 2 August. Tickets cost £29 for adults (£36 for non-members) and £21 for children (£26 for non-members). Book at rspb.org.uk/big-wild-sleepout
2. Demo weekend
Various RSPB nature reserves
The RSPB’s shops are based in some of the best birdwatching locations around the country, so what better place to try out the latest optics? Pay a visit to get expert advice on which binoculars or telescope will suit you best, as well as the unique opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ by observing wildlife in its natural habitat. You’re sure to find something useful, no matter your budget.
“The best thing about helping visitors choose the right binoculars for them is hearing what they have seen,” says Kirstie Last, Retail Manager at RSPB Minsmere. Demo weekend 11–12 October at selected shops. Loyalty card holders get double points. Visit shopping.rspb.org.uk
3. Robin Hood Festival
RSPB Sherwood Forest
It’s time for the 39th annual celebration of the UK’s most loveable outlaw –Robin Hood! There will be music and merriment, magicians, madcaps and more. Attendance is free and parking is £15 per vehicle per day, with a discount for RSPB members. The festival runs over weekends from Friday 27 July until Monday 25 August. Visit during the Wildlife Weekend (16–17 August) to find out how the RSPB and others are working to protect nature in the area. Find out more at visitsherwood.co.uk or follow @robinhoodfestival on Facebook.
4. Seal Spotting Wildlife Walk
RSPB South Stack
Grey Seals rest on rocky shorelines, while out at sea dolphins and porpoises roll through the waves. Walk the coastline to see – and hear – some of our treasured seabirds, including Choughs and Fulmars, as well as Rock Pipits, Skylarks and more. On 20 and 27 September, look for seals on the Coastal Wildlife Walk (10.30am–12.30pm, £12 for members and £15 for non-members) or simply visit and enjoy the spectacle from the café’s ground-to-ceiling windows. Visit rspb.org.uk/ southstack for more.
Before I was 10, I founded my own wildlife club. Its slogan was ‘love nature, save nature, join today,’ and its emblem was a Water Vole. Each member pledged to adhere to the principle of the club – without any guidance on how to do it – and was promised a handdrawn booklet of every bird and animal in Great Britain. My brother Ian, the only member, is still waiting for his copy. Shortly after, we were both enrolled to the RSPB. It was a relief, to be honest.
I’ve joined several other wildlife and environmental organisations since; this is often the first step you’ll take when you decide to take action for a cause you really care about. From that point on, your lone voice for nature becomes part of a rising, swelling chorus that changes things for the better.
Joining an organisation is also a bond of trust – trust that the organisation will advocate on your behalf, doing the heavy work of researching and campaigning while inviting you to get as involved as you like and are able.
Membership gives you a sense of belonging through a connection with others. I find it connects me, through time, to my grandad, my mum and my children, who have grown up with the RSPB. It connects me with friends, neighbours and others I don’t know, yet have something in common with. It connects me with people I admire for doing so much for wildlife: the RSPB’s scientists, photographers, fundraisers, volunteers and Youth Council – all people I support and cheer.
Of course, we can’t join everything. But whether you’re supporting your particular passion for bats, butterflies or bryophytes or fighting for climate
action, nature-friendly farming or your local park’s rewilding project, it’s all part of the same thing.
More and more, the power of collaboration is making waves. Those same organisations we join also often become ‘members’ of something bigger – for instance, the Wildlife and Countryside Link has 88 member organisations, collectively employing over 11,000 full-time staff with the help of 174,000 volunteers and the support of 8 million members. The State of Nature report, the most comprehensive report on the UK’s current biodiversity, is compiled by over 60 partners and many volunteers. We members are a force to be reckoned with, embodied by the 300 nature organisations that marched side-by-side in London last June as part of the Restore Nature Now protest.
From four women coming together in a Manchester drawing room to found the RSPB to the Red Kite reintroductions in the 1990s, from a 98% reduction in albatross deaths in Namibia to a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in the North Sea and Scottish waters, membership works. And it’s never been so important, or so powerful.
Membership is like choosing to hold hands with strangers who want the same things you do. It’s holding onto what we have in common and holding the line to protect it, in camaraderie, hope, connection and action. So, fellow member of any organisation for nature and the environment, I salute you!
Chester is a columnist, nature writer and award-winning author. nicolachester.wordpress.com or @nicolawriting
Nature notes Nicola Chester
The value of membership
Nicola
Photos: Rahul Thanki, Gary Walsh (both rspb-images.com); Roy Waller (Alamy Stock Photo); Mark Powell; Our Media Studios
DID YOU KNOW many RSPB nature reserves run photography workshops? Search at rspb.org.uk/events to find out more.
Photography
Your questions answered
The RSPB’s photography mastermind, Ben Andrew, is here to help you get the most from your time out in nature
How much of nature photography is planning, how much is patience and persistence and how much is luck?
Jess Connett, member since 2025
Nature photography is all of those things! I do lots of internet research and planning before shoots. I think it’s important – right down to checking where the sun rises/sets, what the weather is going to be, where to park, etc. But you can do all the planning in the world and if you aren’t patient or persistent, you’ll decrease your chances of getting what you want. And sometimes you need a bit of luck. I needed all of it to capture this Bittern (above).
How do I choose the best aperture/ shutter speed on a DSLR?
Roslyn Weaver, member since 2022
I start by looking at light levels. Think about the conditions you’re dealing with on that particular day – my starting ISO is usually 400 on a nice day, and I try not to go over ISO 1600. I shoot in aperture priority mode and most often shoot wide open, so at f2.8 or f4. Once I’ve picked my ISO and aperture, I let my camera determine my shutter speed. I take some test shots and if I feel my shutter speed isn’t good enough I’ll increase my ISO. I did that for this image of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
What settings would you recommend for photographing birds in flight when taking off from the water?
Harriet Day, member since 2018
This can really depend on how much available light you have. You may need to push your ISO in lower light, but I’d say you want to be aiming for at least 1/1000 if not higher. That will help you make sure your photos are sharp.
Of course, you could be creative by using a lower shutter speed – this will add some movement in the wings while still potentially giving you the opportunity to get a sharp image of the head and face, see the Osprey above.
Ben Andrew is an award-winning wildlife photographer. @benandrewphotos
How can I take photos of birds high up on full zoom that aren’t grainy or dark?
Martin Woods, life member since 1980s I very rarely photograph birds high up because you’re looking directly upwards at the below features. I think a photo is all about eye contact and being on the same level, so with birds in flight I often find locations where I can get as eyelevel with them as possible. But if you do photograph high-up birds, you need to make sure you are not shooting in harsh middle-of-the-day light. You may need to over-expose a bit to brighten the bird and try and keep your ISO down. That’s how I captured this Red Kite.
RSPBshop.co.uk
Useful gifts for nature lovers
RSPB Skylark® binoculars 8x42 (£100) Designed with budding birdwatchers in mind, these entry-level, nitrogenfilled binoculars boast exquisite clarity and image quality. They’re lightweight and fully waterproof, and the rubber twist-up eyecups make this a comfortable choice whether you wear glasses or not. Uncomplicated yet functional –what’s not to like? Try them out on Demo Weekend, see page 10.
l Beevive bee revival kit keyring, bamboo (£15) you never know when you’re going to meet a bee in need, so stay prepared with a keyring filled with syrup. It’s just the thing to feed to a struggling bee near you.
Out now Bookshelf
l RSPB Birds of the Year jigsaw (£12)
Experience the wonder of UK birds throughout the seasons with this 500-piece circular jigsaw. Perfect for nature and jigsaw lovers alike, and a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
Nature Needs You: The Fight to Save our Swifts
Hannah Bourne-Taylor, £16.99
In her latest memoir, the activist and writer shares the story of her campaign to save Swifts from extinction in the UK. Journey with her as she goes from a bird-lover with no connections or campaigning experience to a headlinegrabbing orator speaking to Parliament.
RSPB Nature Spotter: Wildlife
Catherine Brereton and Kate McLelland £4.99
With over 60 amazing animals featured on 90 plastic-free stickers, this mini guide encourages kids to spot and record every creature they see. The book also includes fascinating facts about UK birds, bugs and mammals and tips on how to make spaces more inviting for wildlife.
RSPB Nature Spotter: Birds
Catherine Brereton and Kate McLelland £4.99
Focusing on just the birds this time, this guidebook features over 60 species from around the UK. Like its wildlife-themed counterpart, this mini guide encourages little explorers to tick off every bird they spot and includes facts and tips for creating extra bird-friendly green spaces.
Shopping with the RSPB Shop helps keep our world wild. Profits go to conservation, and all products are as nature-friendly as possible. RSPBshop.co.uk
Identification
Seabirds to see July-October
These species are highly adapted to a vigorous life on the powerful seas
This topic was chosen by Roslyn Weaver: “Seabirds often stumped me, and I remain stumped!”
Gannet
This sharp-looking creature is our largest seabird, sporting a gargantuan six-foot wingspan. Look out for its long neck, pointed wings and pointed tail. Breeding adults are pure white with black wingtips and a yellow head, while young birds can vary from being entirely dark grey to a mixture of black and white, depending on age.
Great Skua
Around the size of a Herring Gull, these are bulky birds with broad wings and a heavy bill. They have a short tail and are brown in colour with white flashes in the wings that can be seen in flight.
Fulmar
Resembling gulls, Fulmars can be distinguished by their straight, stiff wings in flight. They have white undersides and heads, grey backs and wings, and a strong, stubby beak with nostrils.
Black Guillemot
Similar in size to a pigeon, the Black Guillemot has bright-red feet and black and white plumage. After nesting in July, adults appear off-white with dark, smudge-like marks but still have a distinct ovalshaped patch on their wings.
Great Black-backed Gull
The largest gull species in the world has a thick, yellow bill and large neck and head. Breeding adults are a dark grey on the wings and back. All ages have light grey-pink legs, and juveniles are mottled brown with black bills.
Cormorant
Similar to a Shag but larger, with a long neck and a thick, hooked bill. Adults are black with white at the base of the beak as well as on their flanks (this fades in autumn). Juveniles are dark brown with very pale underparts.
Shag
Very similar to Cormorants but smaller in size with a thinner bill and steep forehead. Breeding adults have a distinct crest and are an oily green-black colour, while juveniles are brown. They fly very low, close to the water.
Tom Oliver, Supporter Adviser for the Supporter Services team Our people
Three questions
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a normal day, the team and I answer queries from members and supporters via phone, email and post. We work on everything from new memberships, membership renewals and updating supporter details to donations and queries about the different memberships on
Words: Nicola Chester.
Photo: Nature
Picture Library (Alamy Stock
Photo). Illustrations: Mike Langman
Species focus Swift
When this magazine reaches you, Swifts will be starting their journey to Africa, where they’ll spend the winter. They slip out of our skies much more quietly than they come in, fairground-screaming in our summer skies.
After staying just three months to breed in the narrow gaps of our buildings’ eaves and soffits, this ancient species of global traveller returns to its perfectly evolved aerial life.
A dark, sooty brown, Swifts seem all scimitarshaped curve of wing, torpedoed by a body, a short, forked tail and a small, mouse-like, almost reptilian head. They’re the fastest bird in level flight, with speeds of almost 70mph.
Everything except nesting is done on the wing: catching aerial plankton, scooping water or raindrops, mating, preening, bathing and sleeping, dolphin-like in part torpor, up near the Earth’s stratosphere. A pair of Swifts may gather 20,000 insects a day.
This year’s fledged young may return for two to three years, checking out nest sites in screaming parties and ‘banging’ gaps in walls with their wingtips to assess suitability, before landing to nest in their third or fourth year.
Sharp decreases in the Swifts’ insect food, due to habitat loss and pesticides, and a loss of nesting sites in maintained houses are the leading causes of these birds’ shocking 66% decline between 1995 and 2022 in the UK. Installing Swift boxes or Swift bricks in new houses is a lifeline. Author and campaigner Hannah Bourne-Taylor has written about her extraordinary campaign to save these birds in her book Nature Needs You: The Fight to Save Our Swifts (page 13). Should you find a grounded or injured Swift, contact an experienced carer: swiftconservation.org
Swifts have tiny, needle-sharp feet and almost non-existent legs.
offer and how to best make use of them.
We also guide our supporters and members through any positive or negative situations they might find themselves in.
What’s the best or most memorable member experience you’ve had?
I love helping new members make the most of their nature
reserve visits. For example, when I spoke to a new member from Suffolk, they asked about RSPB Lakenheath Fen. I was happy to be able to discuss what it’s like there, which areas on the nature reserve are good viewpoints, how helpful the staff and volunteers are and what species they might see there.
I had an email back a week later from that member – they
Thin, narrow, boomerangshaped aerodynamic wings, longer than the bird itself, slice through the air.
Bristles surround their huge eyes and act as sun visors.
This topic was chosen by Emma Ward, member since 2022. “I’ve always admired their sheer speed, power and their incredible migration. Some of this is captured nicely by Ted Hughes in his poem Swifts.”
said they had seen their first Bittern there!
Joyful moments such as this one make me appreciate the work the RSPB does, and how much we need our members to do it.
Why do you love to hear from the RSPB members?
I see our members as the eyes and ears of the RSPB. They tell us what we’re doing well and
celebrate those moments with us.
They also tell us what’s not working so we can learn and do our best to rectify any problems.
Our members and supporters are the reason we can do what we do as an organisation, and I take a lot of pride in representing them as a Supporter Adviser at the RSPB.
Designed by nature Dominic Couzens
On the hunt
Is it nature or nurture? How do birds of prey hone their craft?
2.
This topic was chosen by Caroline Wright, member since 2021 whose garden has plenty of sparrows, Blackbirds, two scrapping Robins and occasional visits from a Sparrowhawk.
The summer is upon us and, in the next few weeks, many young birds will be entering the world. It’s easy to understand the perils of a fluffyplumaged tit or sparrow, but what about a young raptor? It must learn to hunt or will quickly die. How does it do it?
Part of the thrill of birds of prey –those with hooked bills and sharp talons – lies in how they negotiate the obvious difficulty of catching prey that tries hard to evade capture. Some birds of prey are highly specialised – for instance, Ospreys dive down to catch fish at the water surface, while Peregrines snatch birds in flight. Buzzards, on the other hand, can plunge-dive from a height, hover or wander over a muddy field eating worms, using multiple different skills.
Bird of prey chicks are unusual in their long period of dependence on their parents after they have left the nest – for example, that’s 27 days for a Sparrowhawk. During this time, their
flight feathers grow and they become more efficient on the wing. They also, potentially, have plenty of time to watch how their parents hunt, and to pick up a few tips. But do they do so?
Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is no. Hunting is innate. Ospreys plunge-dive even when captive-bred and having never observed their peers fishing. Fledglings of those species studied rarely even follow their parents to the latter’s hunting sites, let alone watch. Fascinatingly, though, siblings often learn together. Members of Osprey broods imitate each other’s attempted techniques if successful and learn faster than singletons. Broods of Merlins hunt insects, such as dragonflies, together. But this isn’t necessarily essential.
Learning is vital, though, and many bird of prey fledglings play with inanimate objects. They also playfight with siblings and may mock-hunt anything that moves, even another non-
prey species of bird or even mammals. In this way they can hone skills. They also practise on low-hanging fruit. As well as Merlins, many other species, even hawks and harriers, regularly practise their skills on invertebrates, even if this isn’t their regular food. Slow-flying insects are ideal targets.
Eventually, all surviving individuals become hunting machines, but they’re not all the same. Some Kestrels, for example, which usually hover to catch voles, will instead become experts at hunting birds. Individuals exhibit preferences and specific expertise. They have to adapt to changing weather, location and seasons, too. They must learn quickly. A combination of innate and acquired skills keeps them alive.
or @DominicCouzens
Dominic Couzens is a wildlife writer and tour leader living in Dorset. Visit birdwords.co.uk
1. Sparrowhawks (pictured) will spend some time scouting, observing prey.
4. Waits for individual or a flock of prey species to gather in a feeding spot.
3. First approach is concealed. Often uses a hedge as cover.
5. Final ambush as it approaches at high speed, allowing prey little time to escape.
7. Sharp claws quickly kill prey, which is brought to a plucking perch or is eaten on the ground.
6. Always strikes with talons first. Usually strikes in flight.
They begin by perching silently in a concealed place.
TURMERIC+ GOLD keeps Liz in her stride
67-year-old Liz Singh started taking Turmeric+ Gold after joint issues got in the way of her much-loved walks. She hasn’t looked back since.
A retired chemistry teacher from Maidenhead, Liz loves to walk far and wide, as often as she can.
‘I’ve always loved to walk both long and short distances,’ she says. But in 2019, she suddenly found herself struggling after a three-mile stroll that normally would have been easy.
‘The next day I felt a slight twinge in my left knee, which got progressively worse,’ says Liz.
‘I’d been planning a long walk to Bath, but it got to the point that I couldn’t walk a hundred yards, let alone a hundred miles!’
‘When my yoga teacher mentioned Turmeric+ Gold, I decided to give it a try, as I had nothing to lose,’ she says.
Developed by Cambridge scientists, Turmeric+ Gold uses a formula confirmed to be effective
by more than 40 scientific studies. Now, it’s a best-selling supplement for joint health, certified by Informed-Sport for use by athletes. Turmeric’s active ingredients –curcuminoids – are hard for our bodies to absorb. But Turmeric+ Gold contains a sunflower lecithin formulation called Meriva® that makes curcumin 30 times more absorbable than ordinary turmeric powder.
‘It works by mimicking the way we naturally absorb curcuminoids after eating turmeric cooked with fat,’ explains Dr Miriam Ferrer, PhD, from FutureYou Cambridge. ‘It delivers the equivalent of 150g of raw turmeric in a single, easy-toswallow capsule.’
Liz noticed the difference within three months. ‘I’m delighted to say I
was able to complete my walk from Maidenhead to Bath,’ she says. ‘I’m still taking Turmeric+ Gold and I haven’t looked back.’
Trial Turmeric+ Gold for
free
Discover why thousands of people trust Turmeric+ Gold for joint support, backed by over 40 human studies.
• 30 times more absorbable than standard turmeric: Powered by the patented Curcuma Phospholipid Complex formulation, Meriva®.
• Science-backed: Uses sunflower lecithin to naturally enhance absorption.
• Plus essential vitamins: C and D to support healthy bones, muscles and joints.
*Turmeric+ Gold contains vitamin C which contributes to
collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and bones.
to the maintenance of normal muscle function. Introductory offer
UK customers only. Offer expires 30th September 2025 and cannot be
conjunction with any other promotions. Cancel any time, without
Acclaimed conservationist Mary Colwell reflects on her walk across the UK to see the plight of the Curlew. Nine years later, communities and nature organisations are working hard to save this much-loved bird
The call of the
Curlew
Acold, wet wind blew across the landscape of moorland and rough grazing that is Ysbyty Ifan in North Wales. It was May 2016, and I found myself huddled by a telescope on the side of a quiet country road, overlooking a patchwork of fields and stone walls. I was with ecologist Rachel Taylor, who was out collecting data from monitoring stations scattered across the landscape.
Previous: Curlews are found on coasts all around the UK and tend to breed inland on farmland
1. Curlew flight is described as fast and gull-like
2. The Curlew’s call is often described as ‘bubbling’ and ‘whistling’
3. Staff at RSPB Insh Marshes monitor Curlew nests
Rachel, from the British Trust for Ornithology, and her partner, Steve Dodd of the RSPB, were beginning a joint pilot project, putting GPS tags on adult Curlews in a brave attempt to find out how they use the wider landscape in the breeding season. Curlews are notoriously wary and difficult to catch, and Rachel and Steve’s pioneering project involved a challenging mix of sheeting rain, lots of mud, bone-chilling cold, frustration and not a few tears.
I was part-way through my 500-mile walk from the west coast of Ireland to the east coast of England. My aim was to try to find out why Curlews were Red-listed and faring so badly across all of Ireland and the UK. Curlews have declined by an average of 50% over the past 30 years, but in some areas, such as Wales and Northern Ireland, it’s closer to 80%. In the Republic of Ireland, it’s over 90%, with only 98 pairs remaining. The UK population stands at 58,000 pairs, with the vast majority of those birds split between Scotland and northern England.
I called this pilgrimage the ‘Curlew Walk’, a solo passion project unsupported by any organisation and founded on a deep desire to understand how we could let such magical birds fade from our lives. It took me through landscapes where the birds still sang, across vast areas where they were halfremembered ghosts and to places where they were just about hanging on, where dedicated people were doing what they could to help them. Rachel and Steve were two of those heroes, but nearly a decade ago Curlew projects were few and far between.
‘Curlews suffered from the same problem facing most wildlife – a profound lack of public understanding’
In late 2015, a paper in British Birds highlighted the seriousness of the Curlews’ plight and called for them to be a top conservation priority. Back then, there were only a handful of isolated projects scattered across the country. I visited some of those groups on the walk and became increasingly alarmed at what I was discovering. Everywhere it was the same story of intensification of farmland, high levels of predation, the spread of forestry on Curlew breeding grounds, changes in land-use, disturbance, and lack of targeted government schemes to support farmers to do the right thing. Climate change was becoming more of an issue, too. Curlews also suffered from the same problem facing most wildlife – a profound lack of public understanding about what they are and what they need to survive. The result was, and still is, that birds are failing to produce enough young to replicate themselves. Most eggs and chicks are either eaten, crushed or abandoned, which means that there are too few fledglings to keep the UK and Ireland Curlew populations stable.
The threat continues Roll on to nearly nine years later. It’s early April 2025. Rachel and I are standing at exactly the same spot, but this time the weather is sunny and bright, although the wind still holds a winter chill. Rachel reminds me that when we first met I had told her that my walk through Ireland had been across silent landscapes; the farms and bogs that once held hundreds of nesting Curlews were now achingly empty. I remembered that feeling of quiet desperation and an anxiety about what the future could hold for these birds. She tells me that when we arrived at Ysbyty Ifan and heard Curlews calling over the fields, tears of relief and joy streamed down my face. I have those same emotions today, in 2025, because despite an increase in Curlew projects and a greater awareness and understanding of the issues affecting them, numbers are still not recovering.
The threats to ground-nesting birds such as Curlews are huge and systemic, nothing less than the way we live, farm and develop our economy. It feels as though everything in the modern world is against them. Indeed, other species of Curlew have already fallen at our hands. In November 2024, the enigmatic Slender-billed Curlew, which bred in the eastern Steppes and was thought to winter around the shores of Europe and North Africa, was confirmed to likely be extinct; the last confirmed sighting was in 1995. This was the first known global bird extinction in mainland Europe, Africa and West Asia. The extinction followed that of the Eskimo Curlew, which bred in Alaska and wintered in South America. Its last confirmed sighting was in 1962, and it was once the most common migratory wading birds across the Americas.
After a long, chilly wait, a small group of Curlews flies over our heads, soaring and bubbling as they have always done. Despite what we do to the earth, they are still here. Ysbyty Ifan has six pairs, but there are more in the surrounding area, showing that all the habitat work, fencing and predator control is
Photos: Craig Churchhill, Ray Kennedy, Sam Turley (all rspb-images.com); Amanda Fergusson. Previous: Adam Seward (Getty Images)
‘We can make it right. By supporting Curlew conservation with your membership and donations you’re making a difference’
keeping their song alive over this beautiful part of Wales, which only has an estimated 400 pairs left across the country. Shockingly, population models indicate that the Eurasian Curlew could be extinct as a breeding bird in Wales by 2033.
A lot of Curlew love has gone into Ysbyty Ifan over the last decade in RSPB projects. The latest has been the EU-funded four-year Curlew LIFE project, which trialled interventions for Curlews across six uplands habitats. Hearteningly, this project has been extended for a further three years through Wales’ Nature Networks Fund, allowing this invaluable work to continue. These projects are vital, but the solution to Curlew recovery in Wales is long-term consistency, something that is only possible through the support of members like you and your generous donations. Glenwherry in Northern Ireland, one of the Curlew LIFE sites, was a showcase in how management can help recover numbers, with 202 fledged Curlew chicks over the four years of the project. There are now over 40 breeding pairs that return each year.
The uplands of Scotland and England, as well as some of the Scottish islands, are still strongholds for breeding Curlews. Here, the landscapes are often less intensively managed for agriculture or commercial forestry, and in these places the number of ground predators, such as Foxes, is often lower or, in the case of some of the Scottish islands, altogether absent.
It’s up to us
My next stop is Anglesey, to a new RSPB project along the River Cefni. I had also called here in 2016 with Dave Rees, then the RSPB North Wales Moor Officer. Lapwings were the primary focus back then,
4. Curlews will flock together to roost
5. Mary on her ‘Curlew Walk’ in 2016 to discover why Curlew populations are declining
6. A Curlew chick hides in a Sphagnum moss bog in the North Pennines, one of the best places for Curlew in the country
7. Two Curlews bathing in a scrape in Norfolk
but now Curlews are part of the picture, especially when liaising with farmers and landowners on good habitat management. Fin Wilson, Jack Slattery and Ian Hawkins guide me to where the last five pairs on Anglesey breed, in the corners of wet fields dotted with rushes. They are more secure now than when I first visited thanks to electric fencing and predator control, although talks are ongoing with local farmers around different solutions to silage and rush management. The Anglesey story is familiar across the lowlands of the UK, where the breeding success is, at most, half what it needs to be for a stable population. It’s now clear that, until meaningful land management schemes are put in place to enable farmers to manage for the birds, Curlews will always lose out to the need to make a living in this difficult national and global economic environment.
Farming is one major issue, but both in the uplands and the lowlands, high numbers of predators such as Foxes, crows, Badgers and some birds of prey continue to take a heavy toll during the breeding season. There are simply too many predators and not enough birds to survive the pressure. High predator numbers are a result of our management of landscapes, which favours the generalist species but makes life near impossible for ground-nesting birds. How we sort this out is far from clear, but in many lowland Curlew populations, most eggs are eaten within days of being laid and any surviving chicks are picked off before they can fly.
My last stop is in central Wales. It’s a collaborative arts project organised by Curlew Connections Wales Project, The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Welsh Government and others, which includes outreach and education. This is a new aspect to the Curlew story that’s on the rise. The Mid Wales Arts Centre displays Curlew paintings, collages, pieces of pottery, even a film made by schoolchildren. It’s a beautiful and poignant show of Curlew joy that demonstrates the power of these birds to inspire us to create and celebrate their magical presence. The exhibition is testament to how far we have travelled in our hearts, which is vital. Conservation isn’t just about management and science.
When I ask Rachel and Steve if they are more or less hopeful than in 2016, Rachel says she is more optimistic because the work being done is showing us that the bird’s future is in our hands.
We created these problems, but we can make it right. By supporting Curlew conservation with your membership and donations, you are making a difference. This enables the RSPB to implement essential measures for awareness and conservation, ensuring the future of Curlews. It really is up to us.
Mary Colwell is an award-winning nature author and campaigner. In 2019, Mary set up the charity Curlew Action, and in 2021 was appointed Chair of the Curlew Recovery Partnership England.
Simon Barnes
The many-winged UK winter
Simon Barnes is a bird and wildlife writer and author.
Switch to digital membership for an interactive version of this story to enjoy audio and video of your favourite seasonal visitors.
I had some research to do in Badlands National Park in the northern United States. It was early autumn. “You need to get here quick,” they said, “before all the birds have gone.” It gave me a sudden revelation about the extraordinary nature of the UK.
The birds understandably go away when winter comes to those fierce places near the Canadian border. And sure, plenty of birds leave the UK to escape our own winters: goodbye Swallows, goodbye Willow Warblers, Cuckoos, Hobbys and Ospreys.
But here’s the miracle – in the UK, unlike in the Badlands and most other places in the dizzy north, a new set of birds come in. London is on roughly the same parallel as Warsaw, and Edinburgh with Copenhagen. And yet, every autumn, birds come flying into the UK for the love of our balmy winters.
In autumn, the days are shorter and the nights longer, and everything is colder. It’s as if all these winter birds come here to cheer us up, to tell us that it’s not so bad after all. Bands of thrushes come flying in, just like our resident thrushes but different. Fieldfares have black tails and talk to each other in cheerful triple quacks. Redwings have spectacular eyebrows and call as if they’re about to tell you a secret – ‘pssst!’
‘In autumn, the days are shorter and the nights longer, and everything is colder. It’s as if all these winter birds come here to cheer us up, to tell us it’s not so bad at after all’
And then there are swans. Mute Swans are everyday birds, like big farmyard chooks (though I wouldn’t say that to their faces). But as autumn advances, their much wilder relatives come bugling in – Whooper Swans and Bewick’s Swans with yellow flashes on their beaks. I once watched a great flock arriving from the Arctic. This required a monstrous sorting out – which family defers to the other? It was a lake of massed confrontations with swaying necks and Paddington Bear-style hard stares.
I live in Norfolk, and every now and then the winter skies light up as the skeins of Pink-footed Geese fly over, sometimes 2,000 individuals at once. It’s a sight that might make you drop to your knees and give thanks for the kindness of winter.
And our most exotic-looking winter guests have the homeliest tastes. Supermarket car parks are a traditional favourite, along with suburban streets – anywhere there’s a decent crop of berries. Waxwings are gloriously unpredictable; they come in sudden gangs when there’s a shortage of food further north, looking wonderfully un-British.
A UK estuary at low tide in winter is a wonderful sight: mud as far as you can see and, everywhere you look, birds probing it with bills variously long, short and curved. Here are the waders, exploiting a food source that never freezes. It might look bleak to us, but to them it’s as cosy as buttered crumpets by the fireside.
It’s all about the Gulf Stream, the warm current that surrounds us, making the western side of the country gentle and the eastern side less ferocious. The warm seas keep the whole island comparatively snug while they freeze in Moscow and Winnipeg.
How long will it stay like this? Climate scientists tell us that ocean currents are shifting with melting ice from the North Pole. How baffling it is to realise that global heating could actually make us colder – and with far fewer winter visitors to cheer us up.
Science of bird feeding
We love feeding birds, but it carries some risks. Scientists are reviewing these issues and the best ways to help
Feeding garden birds can give them a real boost during the colder months, but it can bring health risks for them too. Once a common sight in our gardens, Greenfinches have suffered a dramatic population crash, highlighting an urgent need to rethink how we approach garden bird feeding.
Back when the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979, the Greenfinch was at number seven in the top 10 birds seen. In this year’s results, it’s at number 18. This reflects a broader loss across the UK.
Numbers of these birds have been falling since around 2005, and there was a staggering 57% decline between 2012 and 2022.
In 2021, conservationists moved Greenfinches into the Red List category in the Birds of Conservation Concern report due to this severe decline. Chaffinch numbers have begun to decrease too, with 39% being lost between 2012 and 2022. For both species, the cause is a disease, trichomonosis.
What is trichomonosis?
Trichomonosis is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite called Trichomonas gallinae. It typically infects the upper digestive tract of birds. Trichomonosis has been known to affect pigeons and doves, along with birds of prey, for many years. These bird species can be infected by different strains of the parasite, they can act as carriers or succumb to the disease.
Recently a strain of Trichomonas gallinae may have spilled over to finches, possibly at shared food or water sources, and has led to epidemic mortality across the UK and into mainland Europe.
Trichomonosis causes lesions along the gullet which interfere with the bird’s ability to swallow, causing it to regurgitate food and water. The parasite can spread between birds when they feed one another during courtship, or bring food to chicks, or through regurgitation at food or water sources.
A bird affected by trichomonosis typically shows non-specific signs of ill health, such as fluffed up plumage and lethargy, and may also have messy or wet feathers around the beak and shake its head as it tries to swallow.
In the right conditions, for example on moist food in mild weather, the parasite can survive outside of the bird host for a few days, however, it is killed by drying out and in most circumstances probably only survives a few hours outside a bird.
Trichomonosis does occasionally affect other species such as Blackbird, Robin and Dunnock, typically in gardens where finches are affected by the disease. It also affects other finches of conservation concern, such as the Bullfinch and the rare Hawfinch.
What’s being done?
Thanks to your support, the RSPB is collaborating with expert partners to find a solution. Becki Lawson is a wildlife veterinarian at the Institute of Zoology, which is the research division of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
“We’ve been working with ornithologists at the RSPB and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to investigate the conditions that affect garden birds and their impact for at least 20 years,” she explains. “It’s been a team effort for a long time.”
Just over 10 years ago, ZSL, working with Froglife, BTO and the RSPB, launched the Garden Wildlife Health project. The project covers the health of garden birds, amphibians, reptiles and Hedgehogs. Anyone who sees signs of ill health in their garden wildlife can report this through the project website (including uploading photos). Additionally, the BTO’s Garden BirdWatch participants provide systematic weekly data on bird numbers and health status throughout the year.
“Our goal is to understand endemic or ‘baseline’ diseases affecting garden wildlife,” Becki continues, “so that we’re able to identify new and emerging threats. We can then investigate the implications for wild animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and perhaps public health or companion animal health.”
The Garden Wildlife Health team can then consider further surveillance and research and make recommendations for action. With the results of this research, the team can develop evidence-based best practice guidance for the public, decision makers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“In the case of finch trichomonosis, we hope that we’ll be able to provide refined guidance for disease prevention and control, and also identify gaps in our understanding that we can work to fill,” says Becki.
What’s more, for the past year, with funding from Natural England (NE) through the RSPB-NE Action for Birds in England partnership, RSPB scientists have been working with BTO and ZSL to identify the most risky places for Trichomonas gallinae transmission in gardens.
“We’re visiting gardens where members of the public have reported suspected finch trichomonosis outbreaks either through the Garden Wildlife Health website, the RSPB Wildlife Enquiries team or directly after reading our science blog,” explains RSPB Conservation Scientist Will Kirby.
If the gardens prove to be suitable places for research, RSPB scientists visit and collect details of
‘Our goal is to understand endemic diseases affecting garden wildlife so that we’re able to identify new threats’
Left: Greenfinch declines could be the largest scale mortality of British birds due to infectious disease on record
Photo: Alex Barnett
feeder and food types available to birds, as well as finding out how often the feeders are cleaned. They take swab and food samples from the feeders and from the ground below, along with water samples from bird baths and ponds. These samples are then inoculated into a specialist culture pouch and are kept at bird body temperature to encourage any parasites to multiply.
The samples are transferred to laboratories at ZSL where microbiologists check each day for signs of live parasites using a microscope. Pouches are later screened for trichomonas DNA which can confirm the species and strain.
One of the gardens in the study is owned by Anita and Mike Appleton. Anita says “It was very distressing to see sick birds in the garden. We saw sick Siskin, Brambling, Goldfinch and a Bullfinch.” Will and his assistant Alex set up cameras in the Appletons’ garden to capture the behaviour of birds before then returning to take samples on the following day.
Another aspect of this research has been led by Kate Plummer, BTO Senior Research Ecologist and her colleagues. They are investigating the role of elements such as weather, supplementary feeding (extra food put out by us) and local bird abundance as potential risk factors for finch trichomonosis outbreaks in gardens. Long-term citizen science data collected by participants in the BTO Garden BirdWatch project are used for this work.
“As individual organisations we might not be able to easily solve big challenges like this,” says Kate, “but when we pull together, we’ve got a much greater chance of a better outcome.”
What happens next
Kate, Becki and others are also supporting RSPB scientists in a wider review of the pros and possible cons of supplementary feeding in garden situations. The conclusions from this review will inform RSPB’s future position and advice on supplementary feeding and will be shared with members later in the year.
1. Conservation Scientist Will Kirby taking swabs from feeders in a garden
2. A diseased Siskin in the Appletons’ garden
3. Swabs are cultured in a specialist pouch
4. Water sources are also sampled
“As with many of the conservation problems we face, there are no easy answers,” says Katie-Jo Luxton, RSPB Executive Director, Global Conservation. “Feeding garden birds helps them survive during colder weather and periods where there is a shortage of wild food. But we have to weigh this against the risks of disease spread through garden feeding.”
Having close-up encounters with nature is important, too. Not only is it good for people’s wellbeing but it can also inspire them to do more to protect wildlife and wild places. In a biodiversitydepleted country where many are disconnected from nature, aiding that connection is more important than ever.
In December, RSPB shops suspended the sale of its bird tables, window feeders, seed catching trays and other items which have flat feeding surfaces. This is because, as an organisation, the RSPB aims to avoid risks when the impact is uncertain, and preliminary findings of the ongoing scientific review suggested they could present the highest risk due to the presence of regurgitated food and spoilage of food from faeces, feet and rain.
Get involved
How you can help
The way we feed birds has changed over the years – we no longer use mesh bags of nuts. By working together we can make a difference.
If you see signs of ill health in garden birds, you can help by reporting these observations to gardenwildlifehealth.org
If you see sick birds, stop putting out food for two to four weeks. Then gradually reintroduce feeding but monitor the birds carefully. You may need to withdraw feeding for a further two to four weeks if you see more diseased birds, or three to six months if issues recur.
The regular cleaning of bird feeders, at least weekly, can help slow or prevent the spread of various diseases.
The RSPB is working with other Garden Wildlife Health partners to develop and test new designs for feeders that reduce the risk of disease spread. We will share the results and subsequent advice as soon as they are in. Updated guidance will be published in The RSPB Magazine, with our members amongst the first to know.
Jamie Wyver is Editor of The RSPB Magazine. He has an MSc in Conservation Science, a course based at Imperial College London and run in conjunction with ZSL and other organisations.
Bestselling Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Please quote code 25BIRDS3 on our website, by ‘phone or return coupon to: FREEPOST RTCK-ZKYJ-GGRB, Fife Country, Cupar, Fife KY15 4RB
Please tick
■ I enclose a cheque made payable to Fife Country
■ Please charge £ from my credit/debit card
Enjoy all the comfort and features of a high performance hiker at half the price. Lightweight, waterproof and breathable our bestselling Cairn shoe has a cushioned insole to cradle your foot comfortably all day long. Equally at home trail walking, trekking cross country, or just lounging at the weekend. Plus FREE Returns and our No Quibble Money Back Guarantee. People have been putting their trust and feet in our shoes for over 135 years...so order today.
Removable
insole
Moisture wicking lining to
Your legacy is nature’s future
At the RSPB we know our connection to nature is irreplaceable. We must nurture and protect it, because without it we are lost.
That’s why we’re working tirelessly to tackle the biggest threats facing our world, so one day we can truly thrive together.
A gift in your Will to the RSPB is one of the most powerful ways you can support this mission for generations to come.
Request your RSPB Gifts in Wills guide at rspb.org.uk/legacy or call one of our Legacy Advisers on 01767 669700
Nature & me
The wild world can heal us, bring hope and even change the way we live. RSPB members share their stories
WATCH CLAIRE’S VIDEO
Share in Claire’s amazing experiences in her video, visit bit.ly/40Nature Reserves
Do you remember a time when nature helped you? Perhaps you were having a hard time at work or were struggling with stress. Perhaps you were experiencing a period of ill health or you’d lost a loved one. Then you went outside. The Robin sang to you from the hedgerow and the new leaves sparkled on the trees. You felt your spirits lift and your pain ease. This is the power of nature – it brings hope.
Research is telling us more and more that nature is good for our health, but the natural world can touch our lives in other ways, too. It can inform our work, teach us something new and even have an impact on the way we live our lives.
This is the member takeover issue of The RSPB Magazine, where we are celebrating you, the people who make the RSPB’s work possible. When we reached out to members for contributions to this issue, we were overwhelmed with stories of joy, hope and the healing power of nature. Here are just some of the incredible stories we heard.
The power of listening
I’ve had a total lack of sight since birth, but that hasn’t stopped me from engaging with nature.
Bird listening is an excellent hobby for me – it lets me enjoy outdoor activities just like my birdwatching dad! Before my bird walks, I listen to recordings of birds I may encounter on apps such as Bird-Up and Chirpomatic. While walking, if I think I’ve identified a bird species, I use Cornell University’s Merlin Bird ID app to see if I’m correct.
My favourite places to go bird listening are Moore Nature Reserve in the morning and Frodsham Marsh in the evening to compare the dawn chorus and evening chorus. Both Moore and Frodsham also have a wide variety of environments where I can hear different types of birds – for example, I could always hear warblers near the reedbeds. One of my favourite sounds is the Cetti’s Warbler, as it has a melodic song. I also enjoy going to coastal environments, such as
Previous, left to right from top: Megan Hockley; Paul surveys for Woodcock; Claire Howell; Paul Blackburn; Jonathan Powell; Paul Chambers, the All Wales Coastal Path (walked by Chris) takes in RSPB South Stack, Anglesey
1. Claire Howell’s love of nature inspired her to relocate from Essex to Scotland, pictured at RSPB Loch Lomond
2. Annabel Walker found that visits to RSPB The Lodge helped her cope with her ADHD 3. Eimear Slee, who has been blind since birth, at RSPB Coombes Valley
‘When I was diagnosed nature helped me discover a deep inner serenity that still aids my everyday life’
Rhos-on-Sea, where I can explore the different types of gulls. My favourite sound here is the Redshank, as it stands out with its sharp ‘peep’ sound.
Birds are as distinctive audibly as they are visually, and this means I can compete with my dad on his year-list! For anyone who loses sight, young or old, birds can be a great way to track the seasons and orientate yourself in a new environment.
Eimear Slee, dad Andy has been a member since 2010
A calming influence
When I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in 2020, nature helped me discover a deep inner serenity that still aids my everyday life. During the pandemic, walking in nature allowed me to calm my busy brain. It also helped me to streamline my thought processes as I managed a rapidly changing tuition business.
My local RSPB nature reserve is The Lodge in Sandy. There, I’ve seen newts sunbathing in the shallows of a natural pond and enjoyed following the progress of the Greylag Geese that build nests on the pondside by the main house. Being in tune with the cycles of the natural world allows me to manage my ADHD in a natural way and also helps me de-stress.
As more and more people are diagnosed with ADHD, it is imperative that we can thrive with neurodivergent minds. Although treating ADHD in a completely natural way doesn’t work for everybody, I believe that accessing nature has a positive effect on all people, regardless of personality or neurodiversity. The marvellous and multisensory experience of being in nature is truly cathartic and I believe it can help everybody gain a sense of inner calm.
Annabel Walker, member since 2018
A milestone moment
In 2023, I was looking through The RSPB Magazine and read about yet another nature reserve I hadn’t got round to visiting. That was my lightbulb moment! I was turning 40 in 2024 and wanted to do something special. Visiting 40 RSPB nature reserves in my 40th year felt like the perfect challenge!
On my visits, I got to photograph a very obliging Kingfisher, and a Bittern flew straight past the hide while we just stood there gawping. The year 2024 was challenging for many reasons – however, no matter what was going on or how difficult things were, visiting the reserves allowed all that to melt away while I and whoever had accompanied me (often my Border Collie, Pickle) immersed ourselves in nature.
I feel that this challenge has made me appreciate nature even more, especially these precious reserves. I’ve also encouraged others to visit to help them do the same. If you’re looking to do something similar, I would say make a good plan! I hope to see you there when I undertake 50 visits in my 50th year (maybe)!
Claire Howell, member since 2020
Nature’s comfort
There is something so captivating about finding animals in their natural habitat. Nature became ever more prominent in my life when I lost my mum to
cancer last year. It gave me a space to exist and a chance to distract myself from reality.
I was volunteering in South Africa and the day she died I was collecting nesting materials for vultures when I saw a Secretary Bird strutting across the plains. Secretary Birds are my favourite species, and it was a life goal of mine to see one in the wild. I’d told my mum so many times how desperate I was to see them, so to see one the day she died felt like a sign. Ever since, birds have taken centre stage in my life. I go birdwatching as often as I can at my local reserve, RSPB Otmoor. I live and breathe birds 24/7!
My advice to others who have lost an important person in their life is to find a constant – something that will always be there no matter what life brings. Find something that gives you hope and a reason to keep moving forward. For me that was birds, and I will continue to educate myself and search for them because no matter what happens, there will always be birds. One day I hope to give back to them as a thank you for all the hope they have given me.
Megan Hockley, member since
2024
Physician, heal thyself
In March 2020, I’d been a qualified nurse for only six months. I cycled the river Don corridor every day to work. It was my commute, but it also bookended my day with a space of peace and restoration. In nursing, if you don’t attend to the personal impact of the job, mental and physical depletion can quickly lead to burnout. Cycling beside the steady flow of the water helped me process thoughts and feelings and quell a hectic mind.
The NHS now has some programmes for ‘green social prescribing’ for some patients. But what about the workforce themselves? The high-tech form of modern healthcare and the strict regulation of clinical settings mean NHS staff spend long shifts in artificial environments. Conscious that staff could be experiencing significant detachment from the natural world, I organised a day for trainee nurses at RSPB Old Moor. The nurses were invited to share memories of nature from childhood and reflect upon experiences they’d had as adults. Play, freedom and exploration were noticeable themes from childhood, and while most could identify valued encounters as adults, they were often fleeting, incidental moments squeezed in to a pressed day.
This year, we’re returning to Old Moor with a new group of nurses and GPs with a longer-term ambition to make this available to the general
4. Jonathan Powell stargazes at Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve
5. Heather Jones, pictured at RSPB Coombes Valley, advocates for increased access to nature for NHS staff
6. Megan Hockley, pictured at RSPB The Lodge, shares how nature has helped her deal with grief
practice workforce in South Yorkshire. I would love to see this sort of experiential learning in nature embedded in education programmes for all healthcare professionals, to give nature connection and the natural health service a standing alongside the more established approaches to health and illness. Heather Jones, member since 2022
Eyes to the skies
I first turned my attention to the night sky in the early 1980s when a publication on astronomy sparked my curiosity. Some 40 years later I’m still stargazing; I’ve written three books on the subject.
I made my first observations of the heavens from the family home in Monmouthshire, South Wales. With a pair of my late father’s 8x25 binoculars, I would eagerly await the onset of dusk so I could venture outside and view the night sky.
Living in a semi-rural part of the county, nature during the daytime had already caught my attention: Buzzards flying high above, common garden birds and an abundance of insect life. By night, as the stars swept by overhead, the nocturnal wildlife sounds kept me company, from the hooting of owls to visitations from members of the local bat community. Growing up with nature was my inspiration to cherish it and to try to preserve it for others.
The RSPB nature reserves offer not just a haven for wildlife but an opportunity to make your own ‘cosmic connection’. We forget that the very matter that makes up the composition of a human is spawned from within a star. That’s not just true for humans, but all life – in fact, everything!
Jonathan Powell, member since 2020
A healing force
I have many happy memories of a childhood playing outside and of exploring nature. Sadly, since then I have often struggled with poor mental health and found myself disconnected from the natural world.
However, I’ve recently moved home and have adopted a neglected, wild garden. This has given me the opportunity to rekindle my former passion for environmental conservation and play a part in the urgent battle to save our planet. I have a new determination to award nature a victory here.
‘We’re returning to Old Moor with a new group of nurses and GPs with a longer-term ambition’
First I erected a bird-feeding station, and it has been a joy to witness visits from garden birds, which have grown in frequency and variety since the introduction of a food and water source. It has also been so valuable in helping me through a lengthy period of physical illness during which I have become quite isolated. The Dunnocks, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Blackbirds and pigeons are welcome companions, and I often find myself talking to them from the other side of the window.
My only regret is that I failed to remember and recognise sooner the therapeutic value of the natural environment and the importance of working to nurture and conserve it. I now urge those struggling with any mental health problem to seek relief by focusing on celebrating the beauty of nature.
Kate Ede, member since 2016
Photos: Ben Andrew, Jo Denison, Joby Sessions
PASSIONATE ABOUT HEALTH?
Find Heather’s full report, Connecting with the natural health service, at practicenurse. co.uk
Giving something back
I first took part in the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in 1995 and have been surveying the square NO4925 in Tentsmuir Forest on an annual basis ever since. As well as this, I have now added two more BBS squares and have taken part in many other surveys, including monthly wader and wildfowl (WeBS) counts on the Tay estuary, the annual heronries census and the RSPB Corn Bunting monitoring.
My reasons for participating in the surveys is that I enjoy ‘patch’ watching and the satisfaction that my birding skills are contributing to conservation. Survey participation gives me access to new areas and encourages me to go out. Apart from seeing ‘old favourites’ such as Greenshanks in my WeBS sector or Crossbills in my forest square, there is also the thrill of the unexpected. In 2008, I found a female Hooded Merganser while carrying out a WeBS count at Tayport and had a close encounter with Barn Owls simply walking home from a Woodcock survey.
Thanks to volunteers, the UK has a fantastic data resource on our wild bird population, which helps to target conservation research and action. For example, these data helped highlight the decline of Greenfinches and Chaffinches, which was then linked to trichomonosis spread through contact, including at bird feeders (see p26). Learn more at bto.org but beware – survey participation can be addictive! Paul Blackburn, member since the 1970s
An inspiration
I’ve written poetry since childhood, but I began publishing work about 12 years ago. When I first read haiku, I was struck by their clarity. A haiku is a very short poem, so there is no room for poetic indulgence or trickery. Haiku places great value on appreciating things just as they are, and in their clarity there is great depth. Through each poem, I felt I was becoming more aware of the wonder of the everyday.
Haiku is more than a form of writing – it is a way of being in the world. I would describe it as the art of noticing. A haiku inspires us to feel ourselves more deeply into the natural world and to reconnect more meaningfully with our surroundings. In this way, we begin to rediscover the value of the specifics in nature that we often overlook. A haiku is an experience of interconnectedness. It deepens our understanding that all things in nature exist in relation to one another. So, to write about nature in a meaningful way, I need to achieve a closeness with my environment. Don’t grasp at it. Be open and be curious, and make notes of your impressions as you immerse yourself in your environment. Let the poems emerge from what you’ve experienced.
Paul Chambers (paulchambershaiku.com), member since 2023
The road less travelled
The idea came, as many good ones do, while I was sitting on the M5. As I stared out over the Malvern Hills on the way to a gig, I found myself wishing I was out walking instead. That thought grew until it became our tour: 870 miles on foot around the Wales
7. Chris Robert is part of the musical duo Filkin’s Drift, pictured at RSPB The Lodge
8. Paul Blackburn (pictured at RSPB Loch Lomond) has had amazing experiences while surveying birds
9. Published poet Paul Chambers writes a haiku at Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve
Coast Path, playing 50 concerts over two months with my duo, Filkin’s Drift. We booked the usual folk venues, but also found ourselves playing in bakeries, breweries, farms and even a wetland centre.
Before the tour, I would barely notice birdsong. By the end, the birds felt like more constant companions than the fleeting company of people. Their calls became familiar, and I found myself tuning into them the way you recognise a friend’s voice across a room.
Between Aberystwyth and Aberaeron, Professor Martin Bates joined us and spoke about the prehistoric freshwater valleys that once stretched across that same bay – valleys once roamed by mammoths and sabretooth cats, now used by pods of dolphins. It was one of many moments where the landscape felt layered with memory.
You don’t need to walk 870 miles to feel that connection. Write some words by a city reservoir. Write a tune on a wild mountain. Pay attention, and nature will show you how to listen, shape and make.
Chris Roberts, member since 2024
Supporting those with dementia
Living with dementia can bring many challenges. Any activity which promotes wellbeing and brings happiness, even for a short time, is worth exploring. In my professional experience, I have witnessed numerous examples of social care professionals, family members and friends creatively encouraging those with dementia to engage with nature, thereby enhancing their wellbeing. I have also used some of these ideas while supporting my own parents.
Visiting parks, gardens or nature reserves offers an excellent opportunity to experience nature. Many sites provide amenities such as clear signage, accessible pathways, seating areas, toilets and cafés which facilitate visits. Being outside and observing the natural environment can be enjoyable for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers and loved ones and can serve as an opportunity to connect with others within the community.
If outdoor excursions are not feasible, there are lots of things to try at home: gardening, nurturing indoor plants, listening to nature radio, scrapbooking, drawing or even reciting nature poems.
Each person is unique, and their access to nature will vary. Experimenting with different activities can help identify what sparks interest and enjoyment, even for brief periods.
Treena Parsons, member since 2020
Thank you for sharing your stories, and many thanks to volunteer Genevieve Linden for her support with this feature. May nature continue to inspire us all.
Emma Pocklington is Editor of The RSPB Magazine. As well as working across all the RSPB titles, she has also written for BBC Wildlife and BBC Countryfile magazines.
Photos: Ben Andrew, Euan Myles, Joby Sessions
Action for nature
How your support is helping wildlife
People
Going all out for species
We’re grateful to all who donate their time and skills, including the 500-plus Species Volunteer Network (SVN) members. These dedicated souls strive to revive the fortunes of some of the UK’s most threatened species, and have expanded into Wales and Scotland thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Here are a few SVN projects: Black Grouse gather each spring at moorland leks where males display. Once widespread in Mid and North Wales, the species is now Red-listed as a UK bird of conservation concern. Since the 1990s, the RSPB Black Grouse Recovery Project has worked with landowners and communities to rebuild populations, particularly through habitat restoration. To monitor range and numbers, the RSPB has collaborated with Natural Resources Wales, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape for the past three decades to conduct lek counts. This year, SVN members set out on long walks in the dark to undertake coordinated counts at dawn, obtaining accurate Black Grouse numbers to help us take on targeted conservation work and measure its effectiveness.
In Scotland, volunteers – including 38 new recruits this year – performed dawn and dusk surveys of five breeding wader species on farmland sites across Cairngorms National
Park for the Cairngorms Wader Survey. The volunteers found alarming declines in numbers of Lapwings, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Curlews and Snipe. This was supported by the Strathspey Wader and Wetland Initiative and has been undertaken every five years since 2000 across 125 sites. The results will inform wader-friendly management through agri-environment schemes on the farms surveyed.
In the West Midlands, 53 SVN volunteers are helping to power a project to save Willow Tits. Where the Willow Tits Are is a partnership project between Macc Wild Network and the RSPB with expert lead from Jim Clarke. This project surveys Willow Tit numbers in the south and west Peak District and maps these records and areas of potential habitat. The work also uses passive acoustic monitors to improve knowledge of Willow Tit distribution and activity for future habitat interventions. This project has been made possible through Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding from the Peak District National Park.
To volunteer, email SpeciesVolunteerNetwork@rspb.org.uk
People Urban people power
We’re now encouraging more people in UK cities to enjoy connections with nature, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Our annual Big Garden Birdwatch is a celebration of nature as well as a count of local bird populations. However, although more than 500,000 people participate each January, we aim to involve a more diverse urban population to ensure that more people have the opportunity to connect with wildlife and help protect it. So, this year we ran a trial engaging urban communities by sending nearly 650,000 Big Garden Birdwatch packs to selected postcodes in Birmingham and Manchester. The aim was to reach people over the age of 35, flat dwellers without gardens, and those who feel disconnected or unable to participate. The packs included an easy guide to participation, emphasising that it’s free and takes only an hour, as well as an explanation of how the Big Garden Birdwatch supports conservation efforts. The results were hugely encouraging; there was a 49% increase in participation across the two cities over 2024. We’re exploring what we’ve learned to help shape efforts next year and are looking at re-testing this approach in different urban communities.
We’re also expanding the RSPB’s urban engagement work through the Giving Nature a Home project in Glasgow (below), building relationships with communities and organisations in areas where various barriers can limit connections with nature.
We’ve recruited a new Project Officer, who is already working with 14 groups (including nine new ones) and has run 81 sessions at the time of writing. She has successfully achieved meaningful engagement with 440 people, including students, refugees, asylum seekers, women’s and LGBTQ youth groups and individuals with Additional Support Needs.
New activities developed at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve (above) are also enabling people from urban communities to enjoy green spaces.
Other projects made possible by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery include the co-creation of Nature Prescriptions materials produced with healthcare professionals in Birmingham and Cardiff, as well as the recruitment and training of dozens of species-specialised conservation volunteers in Scotland.
Words:
Paul Bloomfield.
Photos:
Sam Turley, Andy Hay
(both
rspb-images.com); Nia
Huw/RSPB
Species
Iguanas
on the up
Critically Endangered Sister Islands Rock Iguanas (pictured) are edging back from the brink thanks to successful conservation efforts on Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands. These iguanas grow up to 9kg, but hatchlings and juveniles are vulnerable to predation by cats.
Since 2022, the Cayman Islands Government Department of Environment, in partnership with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands and supported by the RSPB with funding from the UK Government’s Darwin Plus, has removed feral cats and worked with the community to improve pet management. As a result, hatchling numbers are rising after long years of decline, with more than 3,500 iguanas – up from roughly 1,000 in 2022 – now estimated on Little Cayman alone.
Farming petition
Guiding for nature
Thousands of girls and young women have enjoyed powerful connections with nature during our first 10 years of working with Girlguiding. Since 2015, the RSPB has partnered with Girlguiding London and South East England, working more recently with the North West England, South West England and Anglia regions. Achievements have included providing
leaders with downloadable nature activity packs and running large-scale nature events, building skills and confidence through training leaders to do more for nature. As a result, young Girlguiding members are learning to make nature-friendly choices and feeling empowered to become champions for birds and nature.
Happy birthday, Hope Farm!
106,744
Thank you to all who signed our petition calling for continued UK Government investment in naturefriendly farming – an incredible 106,744 of you. To grow the food we need, we must value the part nature plays in farming – and the role farming can play in nurturing wildlife. The petition, delivered to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, urged her not to cut the farming budget in June’s Comprehensive Spending Review. of you signed the petition
We’re celebrating the silver anniversary of RSPB Hope Farm! It’s been 25 years since we bought this arable farm in Cambridgeshire, during which time species such as Grey Partridge, Lapwing and Corn Bunting have returned to breed, and numbers of nesting Yellowhammers have doubled, nesting Skylarks trebled and nesting Linnets (pictured) quadrupled. Butterfly numbers have quadrupled, too, and wintering birds have increased; the farm
supports more than 200 Yellowhammers and Linnets as well as 100+ Skylarks. This was made possible by managing 10% of the farm as wildlife habitat while also maintaining Hope Farm as a profitable business.
Hope Farm trials and demonstrates naturefriendly farming methods by learning with other farmers and eNGOs as well as collaborating with environmental and agricultural research bodies. Recently, we adjusted crop management, stopped using insecticides, reduced use of pesticides and boosted organic matter in the soil.
Words: Paul Bloomfield. Photos: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com); Joe Jeffcoate; Lisa Green
Experience luxury lodge ownership
In Aldeburgh, Suffolk or Burnham Market, Norfolk
LIMITED RSPB FACING PLOTS
Two of the most desirable locations in East Anglia
Truly stunning, exquisitely crafted & designed holiday retreats
Minutes walk from Aldeburgh or Burnham Market
Prices from £165,000 to £500,000
Beautifully landscaped grounds
Fully furnished and ready to enjoy
Buy to let investment opportunities
Exclusive private developments
Overlooking RSPB North Warren
Our beautifully landscaped lodge developments are situated in two of the most sought after locations on the Suffolk Heritage Coast and the stunning North Norfolk Coast. Marsh View, Aldeburgh overlooks RSPB North Warren and Titchwell Marsh is just a 15 minute drive from The Poplars, Burnham Market.
Places
Migration superhighway successes
Efforts by the RSPB and partners to help migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway – the avian ‘superhighway’ stretching from the Arctic to South Africa – are being bolstered thanks to funding and education wins in West Africa.
In Ghana, habitat restoration and livelihood development work around Mole National Park (above) received major new funding. The park hosts migratory species including Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Yellow Wagtail, but surrounding areas have become degraded. The funding, which comes from the Dutch People’s Postcode Lottery and the A. G. Leventis Foundation, enables us to continue our work in those areas with Ghana Wildlife Society and other partners. These projects include supporting community-led conservation efforts, developing sustainable alternative livelihoods, and trialling the use of research technologies.
In Senegal, the first cohort of students graduated from a pioneering master’s course in ornithology and conservation
at the University Gaston-Berger in Saint Louis. This is the first course of its kind for French speakers in West Africa, and it aims to train the next generation of conservationists and bird researchers from francophone countries in the region. These countries host many migratory species that also visit the UK. It took years of work to introduce the course, which was coordinated by BirdLife partner Nature-CommunautésDéveloppement with support from the RSPB, Dutch BirdLife partner Vogelbescherming Nederland and funding by the A. G. Leventis Foundation.
Places
The river wild
The Howgill Beck naturalisation project at RSPB Geltsdale has won the 2025 UK River Prize: Project-scale Award for its successful ecological and hydrological restoration. The improved wetland habitats and the reintroduction of natural features have enabled 15ha of valley floor to be influenced by natural wetting (35ha in flood conditions), creating a dynamic floodplain that enhances habitat and resilience.
Blue-breasted Kingfisher
Yellow Wagtail
Fieldwork in Ghana
Species
Orkney wildlife rebounds
The Orkney Native Wildlife Project, which removes invasive non-native Stoats, launched in 2019. Six years on, it’s heartening to see bird and mammal species springing back. Orkney is home to nationally and internationally important populations of groundnesting birds – including up to 15% of the UK’s Hen Harriers – plus breeding seabirds, waders and the Orkney Vole (pictured), an endemic subspecies.
This project, a partnership between the RSPB, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council, is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, EU Life and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, along with donations from supporters and partners. Surveys in 2024 revealed increases in populations of Orkney Voles and Curlews, and improved nest success for Hen Harriers and waders.
The local community is crucial to this success – they are volunteering, reporting Stoat sightings and granting land access. rspb.org.uk/orkneynative-wildlife-project
7,400+ >218%
Stoats removed from Orkney since 2019
Science
Equipping nature reserves for the future
Our nature reserve teams have been hard at work this year, implementing the operational changes necessary to continue vital conservation efforts. Though our income is growing, it’s not keeping pace with rising costs: two years ago, we spent £150 million delivering our work, but today that same work will cost us £165 million – a 10% increase.
To ensure that the RSPB is equipped for the future and can make the biggest impact for nature and wildlife, we completed a comprehensive review of the whole organisation last year to identify improvements and more effective ways of working.
This included looking in detail at our nature reserve network and other small pieces of land that we own or manage, focusing on what each site’s unique contribution to our strategy and mission should be.
The review concluded that, to best deliver for nature on our reserves, we
People
Capital team effort
increase in Orkney Vole activity in spring 2024 within the eradication area compared with 2019
needed to make some changes to the way we operate our sites.
Much of this work is happening behind the scenes, but members might have noticed that our cafés are now offering new menus, and that a very small number of shops and cafés across our reserves are now closed.
We know how much our members value our nature reserves and the important work our amazing staff and volunteers deliver on them.
These changes, though challenging, have been carefully considered and delivered to ensure that we can continue to manage our reserves to the highest standards long into the future, and to do what matters most – boost numbers of birds and wildlife, and restore the vital habitats they need. Thank you, as ever, for your support.
For the latest information about these changes, please visit rspb.org.uk/ changes-on-our-reserves
The RSPB Central London Local Group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has made a huge impact since its formation, organising more than 1,500 awareness-raising events. In its first three years alone, it raised £3,000 – well over £20,000 today – to help purchase land around RSPB Loch Garten. Recent fundraising produced £5,000 for a viewing platform at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a shelter for conservation-grazing Konik ponies at RSPB Old Hall Marshes. rspb.org.uk/localgroups
Gannets at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Words: Paul Bloomfield.
Photos: Katie Nethercoat, David Tipling (both rspb-images.com); Adam Hough
Birdwatching Holidays in Scotland
Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands in the charming town of Grantown on Spey, we invite you to enjoy our warm hospitality in the comfort and luxury of one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious hotels. With a rich heritage dating back to 1765, its elegant decor and comfortable furnishings, the hotel offers a perfect blend of traditional Scottish hospitality and modern luxury.
GUIDED WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Autumn Wildlife Guided Holiday with NICK BAKER 29th August – 4th September 2025
Festival of Feathers: A Bird Lover’s Paradise 18th – 24th October 2025
Autumn Themed Week – Deer 19th – 26th October 2025
(Stay as long or as little as you want to)
Autumn Wildlife Guided Holiday with NICK BAKER 27th October – 2nd November 2025
Inspirational Nature Writing Workshop with GILLIAN BURKE
8 th – 14 th November 2025
Autumn Themed Week – Sea Duck
9 th – 16 th November 2025
(Stay as long or as little as you want to)
Guided Holiday with Nature Writer
DOMINIC COUZENS
15 th – 21 st November 2025
Baubles and Birds
5 th – 8 th December 2025
Get in the spirit of Christmas!
Festive Breaks
Christmas in Wonderland
23 rd – 27 th December 2025
Twixmas
Between 27 th and 30 th December 2025
(Any nights, up to 3 nights)
Hogmanay in the Highlands
30 th December – 2 nd January 2026
Scan the QR code or visit www.grantarmshotel.com/events for more information on these upcoming events.
Grant Arms Hotel 25 The Square Grantown on Spey PH26 3HF All programmes, events and accommodation are subject to availability.
R Squared Investments_The Grant Arms Hotel_FLI-00287756-3-1_1ah.indd 1
In association with:
26/03/2025 15:00
Species Sandeel success
We’re pleased by the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that closure of industrial sandeel fishing in UK waters is justified and necessary. Following campaigning by the RSPB and other environmental organisations, in March 2024, the UK and Scottish Governments ended industrial sandeel fishing – a move challenged by the EU and assessed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The decision that the UK has the right to stop this damaging fishing offers hope for species such as Puffin (pictured), Roseate Tern and Kittiwake.
Places
North Sea ship collision
A collision between a tanker and a container ship off the coast of East Yorkshire on 10 March threatened to add to the challenges facing seabirds and other species. Seabirds are already under pressure from ongoing environmental and human-caused problems, including avian influenza, climate change, food scarcity and risk of bycatch in fishing
People
Nurturing young nature-lovers
Students in Lincoln, York and Nottingham are developing their appreciation of and involvement with the natural world and RSPB work thanks to collaborations with Local Groups.
We know the importance of engaging with young people – the future of wildlife and the environment rests in their hands. For this reason, Local Groups are recruiting Student Ambassadors to become volunteers and build connections with other students and university staff.
Michael Teague has been a fantastically active Student Ambassador at the University of Lincoln. He’s been promoting the Local Group, liaising with the university sustainability team on green initiatives and helping to organise various activities, including wellsupported Big Garden Birdwatch events, on both of the university campuses.
operations. In the days following the collision, it became clear that the environmental impact was not as great as initially feared, though some aviation fuel had leaked into the North Sea and plastic nurdles were observed washing ashore. We have continued to monitor the situation and take what action we can to mitigate the threats to wildlife.
He’s also arranged for students to join three Local Group trips, including one to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve in December (pictured).
Likewise, our first ambassadors at York University have organised various joint events, including bird walks on campus and a talk on the history and work of the RSPB.
And Journalism and PR students have started promoting the Local Group at Nottingham Trent University, attending a meeting and weekend walks to collect footage for a short promo film. They will also produce a set of posters to display.
Restore Nature Now legacy
A year ago, more than 60,000 people joined the largest demonstration for nature ever seen in the UK, which also involved 400-plus organisations including the RSPB. High-profile supporters such as RSPB Vice President Chris Packham (pictured), RSPB President Dr Amir Khan and Dame Emma Thompson joined the march to London’s Parliament Square to urge the government to Restore Nature Now. Aims included government backing for nature- and climate-friendly farming, making polluters pay, and more space for nature. Though a different government is now in place, we’re continuing to campaign and, at time of writing, have joined with others to ask to meet the Secretary of State for the Environment on this anniversary for follow-up questions.
One year on, we’re not giving up and will continue to keep up the fight.
Words: Paul Bloomfield.
Photos: Colin Wilkinson, Richard Bowler (both rspb-images.com); Amelia Ajayi
Notice is hereby given that the 134th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will be held on Saturday 4 October 2025 Register at rspb.org.uk/agm
Join us for the RSPB AGM –Virtual and Accessible to All!
We’re keeping our AGM virtual, making it easier than ever for more people to take part. Hear about the past year’s achievements, discover how we’re protecting birds and wildlife, and learn about our plans for the future. You’ll also get updates from RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, President Dr Amir Khan, Chair Andrew Cahn, and Treasurer Robert Cubbage.
The AGM notice and details on how to join will be available at least 21 days before the event at rspb.org.uk/agm
Later in the year, don’t miss our exclusive members-only webinars, where you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights into our work and projects. Keep an eye on future editions of the RSPB Magazine for more details.
Find out more information: Web: rspb.org.uk/agm
Email: agm@rspb.org.uk
Call: 01767 680 551
Days out in nature
Lochwinnoch
This idyllic wetland has faced centuries of manipulation by humans. Now, with the help of the RSPB, it’s reclaiming its wild origins, and inspiring visitors like Susanna Fraser along the way
Visitor guide RSPB Lochwinnoch
Getting there
The nearest train station is Lochwinnoch railway station, located 400m south-east of the visitor centre. The nearest bus stops are a 10–15 minute walk away on the A737 at Roadhead roundabout and on the A760 at Newton of Barr. National Cycle Route 7 runs close to the nature reserve, with the link route to Lochwinnoch station passing the entrance.
Entry
Free entry for both RSPB and non-RSPB members. Parking is free for RSPB members and £4 for non-members.
Seasonal highlights
In summer, keep a sharp eye out for magnificent Great Crested Grebes as well as Spotted Flycatchers, Migrant Hawker dragonflies and migrating waders. As autumn approaches, the woodland will turn into a colourful spectacle, framed by a forest floor speckled with fungi.
This season’s star species
Osprey, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Crested Grebe, Migrant Hawker dragonfly, Little Ringed Plover and Great Spotted Woodpecker
Accessibility
Parking: 30 car parking spaces, with four dedicated shop customer spaces and three Blue Badge spaces, all about 20m from the visitor centre.
Wheelchairs: The car park is gravel with an uneven surface. There are three partly signposted flat trails as well as an all-access main trail. Two of the four picnic benches have a single-wheelchair space.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on all footpaths and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the visitor centre. Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
More info
rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch
Sunlight spills across a glassy loch scattered with islands. Swallows dive low, skimming the billowing cloud reflections that drift across the water’s surface. A Great Crested Grebe emerges from the reeds leaving a trail of ripples, its chestnut ruff brilliant in the morning light. This is the scene stretching before me as I cast my eyes out across RSPB Lochwinnoch.
Captivated, I’m eager to explore, but first I meet Site Manager Tabby Lamont and Warden Dan Snowdon. After a warm welcome, they go on to share the nature reserve’s fascinating history.
Lochwinnoch is a remnant of a vast glacial lake that was drained for agricultural use in the early 18th century. Ditches and reinforced embankments, or bunds, were built, creating three distinct sites managed for grazing and hay meadows. During the interwar period, the infrastructure fell into disrepair and Lochwinnoch reflooded as three distinct water bodies, separated by the bunds.
the loch attract Osprey, whose striking silhouettes are often seen torpedoing towards the water.
On the scrape, a pair of Shovelers preen as Lapwings and Greenshanks patter across the mud.
“We designed this shallow wetland in 2020 to create a wet edge habitat, essentially ensuring sufficient wader feeding sites are available at any water level,” Dan explains. Since then, Common Sandpipers and Redshanks have successfully returned to the reserve to breed and Little Ringed Plovers were spotted for the first time.
Beyond the open waters of the loch, reedbeds mark the transition to fenland and floating fen, which rises and falls with the water levels, buoyed by the air held within its root structure. Gradually, the reeds become interspersed with wetland trees, such as willows, before transitioning to woodland and a view to the Renfrewshire hills beyond.
I marvel at the diversity of habitats, all visible from this one lookout. A thriving wildlife haven and an accessible one, too, Lochwinnoch is on the doorstep of Lochwinnoch railway station and only 25 minutes from central Glasgow. Tabby’s spot on when describing this site as a ‘gateway to nature’.
Restoring natural balance
Previous: Lochwinnoch is a mix of loch, wetland and woodland
1. Ospreys come to the loch to fish
2. Barr Loch with the smaller Aird Meadow Loch and larger Castle Semple Loch beyond 3. Susanna (left) and Tabby on the lookout for wildlife from a viewpoint
4. Spotted Flycatchers are summer visitors to the site
5. Tufted Vetch grows abundantly
Since 1973, the RSPB has managed Barr Loch and Aird Meadow Loch, which neighbour the councilowned Castle Semple Loch. Despite early attempts to restore natural seasonality by rejoining the two lochs, centuries of human intervention had significantly altered the natural system. So, in 2019, Tabby and Dan implemented a new plan aiming to redevelop habitats and natural processes within the artificial system.
“We’ve made it our goal to increase biodiversity by establishing functioning habitat mosaics,” says Tabby.
“In 2024, Lochwinnoch saw the highest population of breeding bird species present in 50 years.”
Gateway to nature
We set off to Channel Hide overlooking Aird Meadow Loch. A statuesque head rises between the reeds; it’s a Grey Heron, its beady eye scanning the glinting waters. Dan tells me that the Perch, Pike, Roach, eels and trout swimming below the surface of
‘Lochwinnoch is designed to reconnect visitors with nature and inspire responsible interaction’
A towering canopy of beech, ash and oak trees shelters the woodland adventure trail unfurling ahead. We pass the wildlife garden, abuzz with insects and the scent of lavender, before encountering the natural play area where children clamber along the balance log and build dens.
I chat with a couple who are showing their grandchildren around the nature reserve. “We make sure we visit Lochwinnoch every season,” they say. “Each one brings new wildlife and scenery.”
Moments later, a Migrant Hawker dragonfly whizzes past as we approach a pond. “In 2022, we discovered invasive New Zealand Pigmyweed in the pond,” Tabby says, “so we devised the pesticide-free methodology to quickly contain and eradicate it before it dominated the wetlands. We relocated the pond and monitor it consistently.”
Along the nearby fairy trail, Hedgehog houses and bird boxes are neighbours to toadstools and gnome homes. We peek into the bug hotels, viewing the inhabiting mining bee larvae through glass to limit disturbance. Tabby explains that Lochwinnoch is “designed to reconnect visitors with nature and inspire responsible interaction with it. If we want nature in our lives, we can’t view it as something to exploit – our interaction must be balanced.”
She continues, explaining some of the ongoing ‘behind-the-scenes’ conservation efforts supporting this ecosystem: “While this woodland appears wild and unkept, it was Dan’s glade-clearing work that attracted nesting Spotted Flycatchers within a week!”
Dan adds: “We’re managing for biodiversity by replacing the activities of missing species. For example, we’re imitating grazing with brush cutting or glade clearing. Restoring natural processes makes habitats more self-sustaining and resilient to pressures such as climate change and invasive species.”
Photos: Ben Hall, Oliver Smart (both rspb-images.com; Euan Myles. Previous: Euan Myles
BUILDING BETTER
The visitor’s centre will be closed from 16 June, but temporary facilities will be open from 12 July. Toilets will be open as usual throughout. Thanks for bearing with us!
‘I started coming here to escape life: studying and work. It really helped my mental health... this place is my refuge’
The path traces the loch’s edge, transforming into a leafy tunnel with sunlight filtering through like scattered rays of a disco ball. To one side, a mossy jungle unfolds. Deadwood and the exposed roots of fallen trees provide habitats for species such as Bank Vole and Wrens, while the shallow pools formed in their depressions support amphibians and invertebrates. To the other side, fungi and ferns spout from the mossy bunds. Wet woodland dripping with Bearded Lichen sprawls towards Aird Meadow Loch beyond. I catch glimpses of Swallows darting across the water. “Their presence is a key indicator of habitat quality,” Dan says. “It shows these wetlands support the insects on which they feed.”
We pause in a hide along the trail. The calls of Black-headed Gulls fill the air. Lochwinnoch lost its colony of this species in the mid-’90s due to habitat pressures and the arrival of invasive American Mink, which eat eggs and nesting chicks. Since the team deployed several gull rafts in 2018, the returning colony is now 80 pairs strong.
Dan breaks down the ecological interconnectivities underpinning this comeback: “Otters have become more prevalent at Lochwinnoch in recent years, pushing out mink and effectively reducing their population. We think this balance has helped Black-headed Gull numbers recover. In turn, the gulls’ predator-mobbing behaviour may have contributed to this year’s record-high number of breeding species because predators have been deterred from other nests in the area.” It’s clear that this is another self-sustaining process being reinstated here, creating a ripple of positive impacts.
Taking to the water
6 Susanna (right) and Tabby walk the nature reserve
7. Work is under way to help Blackheaded Gulls
8. Tabby and Dan look for invasive waterweeds
The woodland trail ends at Todd’s seat, a spectacular outlook to Castle Semple Loch and the distant hillside of Clyde Muirshiel, Scotland’s largest regional park. Here, we meet long-term RSPB member and volunteer Susan.
“I’ve been visiting this reserve for more than 20 years,” Susan shares. “I come here most days. This view never disappoints, especially with more Otters about recently.” Like many RSPB nature reserves, Lochwinnoch relies on dedicated volunteers such as Susan who give up their valuable time to help run the nature reserve.
We follow the boardwalk skirting the perimeter of the RSPB site. Made of recycled plastic and built along the narrow belt of land created by the stoneclad bunds, the boardwalk gives you the impression that you’re floating atop the water with Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Loch to either side.
Tabby points out Purple-loosestrife and Rosebay Willowherb stretching up to greet us. Initially, Aird Meadow Loch is still, laden with lily pads and whispering reeds. But as we progress, we align with the Loch’s livelier open waters. More exposed to the elements, the blustery walkway is alive with movement. It feels wild and uplifting, like we’ve ventured to a different place altogether.
Barr Loch makes up two-thirds of the RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve. “Barr Loch’s managed primarily for conservation,” Tabby informs me as we head towards the viewpoint later that afternoon. “We manage access to reduce disturbance to wildlife.”
The path hums with insects. We soon encounter Ellie, a volunteer, who is almost lost among the pink Himalayan Balsam as she uproots it to control the invasive species’ spread. “It’s incredibly problematic because it grows in these tall, dense stands that crowd out other vegetation and consistently outcompete native plants for pollinators,” Ellie explains. “The balsam seed pods ‘explode’, making it effective at scattering its seeds, especially near water, so we uproot plants before seeding occurs.”
At the viewpoint, Barr Loch is vast and glimmering, and all the more special knowing it provided vital breeding habitat for 11 pairs of Great Crested Grebes, including 18 chicks, last year. In winter, spectacles of up to 2,500 birds gather here, including species such as Tufted Duck and Goldeneye.
A place of sanctuary
Back at the visitor centre, I pause to reflect and look out over the jigsaw of habitats with RSPB volunteer Rachel. Despite my tired feet, I feel rejuvenated.
Rachel shares: “I started coming here to escape life: studying and work. It really helped my mental health, so I started volunteering. Today’s actually my day off, but this place is my refuge.”
Her experience resonates; Lochwinnoch is indeed a gateway to immerse yourself in nature – a place to reconnect. It echoes Tabby’s words from earlier today: “Working here day-to-day with new conservation challenges around every corner, it’s easy to forget how many people interact with Lochwinnoch, and you never know if or how this place plays a role in someone’s life. What we do know is, the more people come, the more people will value nature – and that’s the key to protecting it.”
Susanna Fraser is a Supporter Communications Officer at the RSPB. She manages The RSPB Life and Impact magazines, written for RSPB life members and donors.
PATAGONIAN ODYSSEY
An exploration of Patagonia & the Chilean Fjords aboard the MS Island Sky – 21st November to 8th December 2026
Those who have a passion for the wilder places on our planet usually have Patagonia on their must do list. Shaped by fire and ice, this rugged, yet hauntingly beautiful land of windswept pampas, hanging glaciers and cloud piercing peaks, remains today as enticing and fascinating as it did to Magellan, Drake and more latterly Darwin.
Chile is made for cruising. Its shape and geographic location is just perfect; thousands of miles of coastline that you can of course explore aboard one of the many huge cruise vessels calling at the major cities of South America, or alternatively join us aboard the 118-passenger MS Island Sky and enjoy the wonders of this magical country, some of which only small ships have access to.
Wildlife abounds here and the skies are filled with the cries of seabirds. Albatross’ and petrels’ wheel overhead and sea lions bark from their rocky outcrops. Helping us understand all the wonders we will encounter will be our experts and expedition staff who will accompany us ashore and our small ship will allow us to enter small inlets and explore fjords and stretches of magnificent coastline.
MS ISLAND SKYis one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 118, the all-suite vessel has the benefit of unusually large accommodation, public areas and spacious outside decks. All suites feature a sitting area and some have a private balcony. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a lounge, elegant bar, library and a single seating dining room. Outside there is a rear sun deck, a bar and comfortable deck furniture. The atmosphere on board is akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from the onboard speakers, informative port briefings and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room, all contribute to making any voyage aboard the MS Island Sky a memorable experience.
ARGENTINA
San Antonio Buenos Aires Santiago
Ushuaia Cape Horn
Chilean Fjords
Chiloe Island Puerto Montt
Valdivia
CHILE
Puerto Natales Garibaldi Fjord
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan, our exact route and landings will depend on weather conditions, tides and the wildlife we encounter.
Day 1 London to Santiago, Chile. Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Santiago. Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the city independently.
Day 3 Santiago to San Antonio. After breakfast in the hotel a morning city tour will include the Presidential Palace, Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Later we drive out to the Casablanca Valley which is now one of the country’s premier wine areas. We will learn about the cultivation of grapes and visit one of the vineyards for a tasting and lunch. We will continue on to San Antonio where we will embark the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board as we set sail.
Day 4 At Sea. Spend a relaxing day at sea as we make our way down the Chilean Coast.
Day 5 Valdivia. From the port of Niebla, this morning’s tour takes us to the colonial city of Valdivia, one of the oldest European settlements in Chile. Our guided excursion will include time at the Canelos Tower, built in 1774 and which at the time of its construction was one of only two land entrances to the city, equipped with a wide portcullis and drawbridge. We will see the San Francisco Church before spending some time exploring the historical and anthropological museum and the bustling Mercado Fluvial. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 6 Puerto Montt. Over breakfast we land at picturesque Puerto Montt, a resort town in the Lake District. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, much of its early Middle-European styled architecture remains, rendering a slightly bizarre feel in such an obviously un-European setting. Leaving the ship we will head to the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park which is the oldest in Chile and contains three commanding volcanoes, Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo. We will see the emerald Todos los Santos
Lake at the foot of Mount Osorno as well as the mighty Petrohue River and the rapids that crash through lava channels creating a series of magnificent waterfalls. We return to the ship via Puerto Varas, situated in a stunning location on Lago Llanquihue with a backdrop of the iconic Osorno Volcano.
Day 7 Chiloe Island. Chile’s second largest island, Chiloe Island was one of the first Spanish strongholds in the Pacific Southern South America. Once the island had been conquered, it was hard for indigenous uprisings to reconquer and as a result it became a major link in the Spanish trade route around Cape Horn. The island was also visited by Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1831. Our visit ashore on this mainly forested island will include Castro, one of the oldest towns in the Americas, known for its unique wooden architecture, churches and stilted houses. Join an island drive which will include the wooden cathedral of St Francis and the historic old quarter.
Day 8 At Sea. Enjoy a leisurely day on board, listen to some lectures and spend some time relaxing and watching for wildlife on deck.
Days 9 to 15 Chilean Fjords, Torres del Paine National Park & Cape Horn. During the next seven days we will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery imaginable and the MS Island Sky is the perfect vessel for the exploratory and scenic cruising that we will be undertaking. This vast area of mountains, glaciers, islands, lakes and waterfalls is untouched by man except for a few fishing villages which perch at ‘the end of the world’. We will make good use of our time exploring the beautiful, protected waters, enjoying the renowned fjords of southern Chile which rival those of southeast Alaska in their raw beauty and prolific wildlife. We hope for calm weather when crystal clear reflections of vertical walls and hanging glaciers are broken only by the ripples of seabirds or maybe a passing dolphin. See how quickly you run out of suitable adjectives to describe all you are witnessing. Our route will be managed by our experienced Captain and Expedition Leader alongside the local pilots. As well as stunning scenic cruising, the area is ideal for Zodiac forays. As we continue our journey we hope to navigate the Kirke Narrows, a remarkable channel leading between lush, forested shores, so narrow it can only be sailed at low tide. Dropping anchor at Puerto Natales, we enjoy a full day in South America’s largest national park, the Torres del Paine. This is one of the most spectacular places on earth,
a vast uninhabited wilderness of glacier-draped mountains, windswept pampas, turquoise glacial lakes and verdant valleys. Look out for herds of guanacos (a smaller version of the llama), rheas, Patagonian hares, foxes and rich birdlife and see the stunning rock formations of the Horns of Paine. We also hope to use our Zodiacs as we cruise through the fjords and past the glaciers of the Alberto de Agostini National Park before we sail to Cape Horn, one of the best known maritime landmarks in the world. Magellan was the first European visitor here in 1530 and prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, it was an important staging post. Weather permitting we hope to use our Zodiacs to land and enjoy a walk to the monument. On our final evening we will sail into the Beagle Channel. Here the mountains, still partly unmapped, drop as sheer, densely wooded cliffs into the channel and penguins, dolphins and South American sea lions abound in the channel.
Day 16 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to a centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are free for independent exploration.
Day 17 Buenos Aires to London. After breakfast in the hotel we will check out and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 18 London. Arrive this morning.
PRICES & INCLUSIONS
Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £9995 for a Standard Suite.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Economy class scheduled air travel • 13 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis
• House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Overnight hotel accommodation in Santiago and Buenos Aires with breakfast
• Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia Expedition Team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
NB. Ports and itinerary are subject to change. Zodiacs will be used during this expedition. Travel insurance and dinner on days 2 and 16 are not included in the price. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations.
forTogether nature
Your stories
‘It’s vital we conserve what we have’
Few people may enjoy collecting prey remains and dissecting pellets, but it is so fascinating to me and a big part of what I do!
I set up the North Worcestershire Raptor Monitoring Group in 2023, primarily because we have a good number of raptors in our local area that I had been watching for some time and I realised how under-recorded raptors were in Worcestershire. I also wanted to help the Kestrel, which is in decline. Raptor persecution is a big issue, and actively monitoring these birds and their nest sites is a good way to pick up on any illegal activity.
In 18 months, the group has grown in numbers and in terms of the area we cover. I have people with a variety of skills joining me, from tech experts and photographers to bird ringers and nest recorders, as well as those that are keen to learn!
I’ve had some amazing experiences. Last year we thought one of our Goshawk pairs had failed, but then we saw a chick’s head pop up from the nest. I called my fellow nest finder and he said, “Wait, there’s more!” Suddenly, two more heads popped up! Goshawks had a successful year last year on the whole. The other fascinating thing has been seeing the sheer variety of prey that my local Peregrines take: everything from Hawfinches to Tawny Owls.
I have been working with local farmers and landowners putting up nest boxes (pictured) and producing annual reports on both raptors and breeding birds. In the woods where Goshawks breed, the numbers of smaller birds, particularly migratory birds, did very well as the Goshawks were primarily taking corvids and Grey Squirrels. My data is mapped on GIS and is sent to the Worcestershire county recorder. I have also been working closely with churches to get nest trays for Peregrines.
I hope to expand the group in the coming years. I’d love to get more young people trained up.
Nicola Benhamada, member since 2014
GET INVOLVED
Support Nicola’s work at northworcestershire raptormonitoringgroup. wordpress.com or follow her on social media. Join an RSPB Local Group at rspb.org.uk/ local-groups
Words: Emma Pocklington. Photos: Richard Brooks (rspb-images.com); Our Media Studio
Your say
Star letter
Time for action
I am an old man and have vivid childhood memories from the ‘40s and ‘50s of gardens filled with birdsong, bees and butterflies. As a youth, I would go birdwatching on local marshes and woodlands, estuaries and cliffs and could always tick off so many species in my field guide. Now there is much less to see and hear. I want to thank you and others who work on the bigger issues at local, national and global levels that individual people can rarely affect. It’s time for us all to wake up even further to what is going on. I encourage everyone to really look, listen and take note of what is happening to the wildlife around you, to feel your responses and try to find something you can actually do. I send this with hope for a better future for all our wildlife.
River King
Ed: Thank you for your heartfelt and passionate letter. The situation with wildlife and the environment can feel overwhelming and distressing. But we believe there is hope. With the support of RSPB members, we can start to reverse nature’s decline. Take a look at some of the highlights from our Wildlife on RSPB Reserves in 2024 report (p71) and the stories from our Species Volunteer Network on p40 to see how, together, we’re making a difference.
The star letter wins a pair of RSPB 8x32 Avocet binoculars from our Viking Optical range –waterproof, nitrogen-filled and robust. To see the full range, visit rspbshop.co.uk
Male Mandarin pair
Two Mandarin ducks in Poole Park, Dorset, happily mix with Mallards and other ducks. However, I find it striking that they are always together and very rarely more than two feet apart. I noticed they were copying one another; if one sat on a log, the other would follow. They would murmur to one another, touch bills and even look in a similar angle, which is unusual – especially so for two drakes. As I write this, breeding season is fast approaching. I wonder what will happen?
Ian Julian
Ed: Same-sex pairings have been recorded in around 1,500 wildlife species, including Greylag Geese, Mallards, Mute Swans and Redshanks. While there are fewer records of this, courtship and pairing of male Mandarins has been noted.
Plastic pollution
Recently, my partner and I were enjoying a pleasant Sunday morning walk in the park when we came across a swan building a nest. This special moment came to a sudden end when I realised the swan was no longer collecting branches and material for its nest
but dragging an assortment of different types of plastic waste in its mouth. Watching this beautiful animal trying to pull all this rubbish out of the nest it was trying to build was heartbreaking. I was so ashamed and upset at the damage we cause to our own environment.
Anneka Diez
Ed: Plastic pollution in our waterways and oceans is one of the biggest threats to aquatic environments. We can all do our bit to reduce plastic use at home, but we can also encourage the organisations we work for, support or do business with to do the same.
Above: Starlings at RSPB Titchwell Marsh
Your photos
Star photo
Long-tailed Tits
This picture was taken at RSPB Old Moor, which is a lovely place to visit. I visit twice a week when I can.
Michael Adams RSPBshop.co.uk
Send your wildlife photos to The RSPB Magazine. See page 3 for details
RSPB Shop bundle worth £250!
Our star amateur photo wins £250 to spend on anything at the RSPB Shop! From wildlife garden ideas to homewares, books and even chocolate, everything is produced in the most sustainable and nature-friendly way possible, and proceeds go directly towards wildlife conservation. So treat yourself or a loved one, safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting both wildlife and sustainable, ethical businesses.
1. Shag by Helen May
2. Grey Heron by Sara Nowak
3. Crested Tit by Julian Heyes
4. Female Crossbill by Jason Jones
5. Dipper with moss by Sarah Cherrill
6. RSPB Snettisham by Jessica Hoggett 6
David’s new borders have been in for less than a year – this shows how quickly you can fill a space with rich planting for nature.
David’s flower choices are dominated by plants that offer nectar and pollen and a long flowering season.
Your gardens
Engaging through gardening
Adrian Thomas visits David Domoney’s working garden to hear about a life spent encouraging everyone to garden, especially with nature in mind
“When I was young, nature was my entertainment,” says RSPB Ambassador David Domoney as he shows me around his garden in Warwickshire. It clearly still is, judging by his unending passion for it.
The garden covers three acres within a 20-acre smallholding. Most gardens are a private space, but David’s must double-up as set for his role as resident gardener on ITV’s This Morning (when he’s not away filming Love Your Garden, writing books or doing charity work).
David and his family only moved here three years ago, yet what was once an empty paddock has already been transformed into a nature-rich space.
I asked David what the underlying ethos of the garden is: “First, we want food for the family, grown as sustainably as possible,” he explains. “And then we want to spend quality time in nature.”
The main filming set is an area of vegetable beds, greenhouses and flower borders as well as a composting area with no fewer than 12 compost bins.
The rest of the garden has a range of evolving habitats. David’s newly planted orchard includes 60 different types of fruit with multiple varieties of apples, plums, pears and cherries. “They already give an ample supply of fruit, for us and for birds,” he says.
David has also renovated half a mile of old hedges, encouraging hawthorn because it offers such excellent nesting sites. Then there’s what David calls his ‘wildlife corridor’, a shady pathway lined both sides with trees that he’s extending with willows, rowans and Blackthorn.
At the back of the house is a sheltered pond and seating area. “A pond is so essential in the garden,” David says. “There is never a moment when you can’t see nature at work here. The water-lily pads offer shade and shelter, marginal plants provide perches for dragonflies and there is a beach where bees can drink.”
For David and his wife, Adele, dining al fresco is a great way to stay connected to nature.
David’s favourite place to sit is his wildflower bank, which has a stream he made tumbling down its slope. On my August visit, the Swallows that had bred in his work shed lined up on the wires.
By the house is the latest addition –an elegant patio with wraparound raised beds and pergola, richly planted with the pollinator-friendly plants that David loves. Here, David’s younger daughter, Abi, aged 8, eagerly shows me her well-thumbed bird book.
“Getting the next generation involved with nature is so important,” David says. “Yes, by painting bird boxes and making bug hotels, but we also have to embrace the technology they love.”
Indeed, David’s entire life pursuit has been spent engaging people with nature and gardening. “Seeing snowdrops emerge, fields of dandelions – they are moments that can refresh us all.”
David’s top tips
1 Add something that instantly draws in the wildlife and is a constant reminder of the pleasure that nature brings. It could be as simple as bird feeders in front of the kitchen window.
2 Have plants that are rich in pollen and nectar throughout the year. It helps insects while giving you something to look at and enjoy.
3
Never underestimate the benefit of plants left to grow thick and impenetrable, even if you don’t immediately see the wildlife benefit. Hedges, climbers, evergreen shrubs –there will be so much wildlife that gladly finds a home within it.
1. David cherishes the one old apple tree in his orchard. The mosses and bark are a habitat in their own right
2. Vibrant Echinaceas, also known as coneflower, add a punch of colour and are one of the best groups of flowers for nectaring butterflies such as this Meadow Brown
3. Magically appearing pixie doors are a great way to engage little children with the wilder parts of the garden!
4. David would not be without water in the garden! This pond is a perfect place to see guaranteed wildlife action
How to Grow fruit trees
Planting a fruit tree is one of the best ways to help nature in the garden. The blossom is perfect for pollinators and the leaves are eaten by many moth caterpillars, which themselves become food for birds (and ultimately bats). The fruit itself is eaten by thrushes, and you! Most fruit trees are grafted onto a rootstock that determines how big
Activity Wildlife gardening ideas: multibutting!
To water his garden, David collects rainwater wherever he can. He then doesn’t have to draw from the mains, which protects our precious wetlands. He uses interlinked water butts, run in series using a simple connector kit. To do this yourself, you will need a circular drill bit to bore a hole in the sides of the butts. These three butts together hold about 300 litres, which is two baths filled to the brim. Most water butts are made of plastic but will last for decades. Try to buy those made of recycled plastic. Always keep lids on to stop wildlife from falling in!
they will grow. Some are only suitable for large gardens, others are fine for a pot on a patio. Always read the label to check the ultimate height of the tree. Potted trees will need regular watering, but fruit trees require little maintenance apart from a prune in winter (for apples and pears) or summer after fruiting (for plums and cherries).
What to grow Verbena bonariensis
Thought to have been introduced to the UK in 1732, Verbena bonariensis first became trendy in show gardens about 20 years ago.
Sometimes called Purple-top, it originates in South America. The ‘ bonariensis ’ means ‘from Buenos Aires’.
It tends to be a short-lived perennial that doesn’t survive harsh winters, but it self-seeds.
It’s a great flower for pollinators –one of the very best for butterflies and Hummingbird Hawk-moths –with a long flowering season.
It can easily be grown from seed in spring – germinate on a warm windowsill or in a greenhouse.
Plant out in a sheltered, sunny spot where the soil isn’t too damp.
The stems typically grow to about 1.5m tall, but they are slender and wiry and the leaves are small, meaning they can grow up through other plants. Clusters of flowers then seem to float over the top.
Shorter cultivars have been bred more recently, such as ‘Vanity’ and ‘Little One’ – great for containers.
Another Verbena to try is Verbena hastata, which is shorter with purple, pink or white flowers in short spikes.
Vervain Verbena officinalis is a European member of the same family, thought to have arrived in Neolithic times. It is more delicate.
Spotlight on Swallows and martins
David’s garden was alive with the sound of Swallows! Here are two of the youngsters in his shed (pictured). You can see what Swallows need – a horizontal beam or ledge, tucked away within an outhouse or barn but with a permanent flight line in, where they can build their open-cup nest.
They breed close to open pasture where the adults can fly low among livestock, catching insects. This means that Swallows rarely breed in towns and cities.
House Martins, by contrast, build closedcup nests hung high under the eaves and take more readily to urban locations.
House Martins are on the Red List; their numbers went down by 44% between 1995 and 2022. Swallows are currently on the Green List, although numbers fell by about 24% during the same period.
My wife and I live in a very rural location in Mid-Norfolk. We have a garden of about a third of an acre, and when we moved here we planted a variety of native tree species, berry-bearing shrubs, fruit trees and bushes, plus plants to attract butterflies and bees. We also have a pond that attracts various dragonfly species and birdfeeding stations around the garden.
As a result, we’re frequently visited by the local wildlife and have derived much pleasure from watching it. Although we
enjoy seeing the wildlife year-round, spring and summer are particularly interesting seasons as many birds nest in our hedges.
Daily, we see adult birds collecting food and then feeding their young once they have fledged.
David Pelling
David sent a range of fabulous photos of his garden visitors, including this Brown Hare and majestic Tawny Owl.
Your letters
The name of the rose…
…is: RazzleBEEdazzle. This name was chosen in a competition by RSPB supporter Dot Dahl. Each bloom of the new variety – the result of eight years of nurturing by Harkness Roses – is a deep, rich golden-amber with a dark red spot at the centre of every petal. These flowers will support pollinators as well as yielding hips to feed birds in winter. Buy online at roses.co.uk from 16 July. The RSPB receives £5 from each sale.
Words: Adrian Thomas. Photos: Adrian Thomas; Anne Gilbert (Alamy Stock Photo); David Pelling
Your letters
Captured on camera
Brown Hare
Tawny Owl
Your questions
Questions answered by India James and Molly Brown, RSPB Wildlife team Ask us about wildlife at YourQuestions@rspb.org.uk How to…
I have seen a large group of female Mallards all walking along a path together – is this normal?
Tom Holden
Although the members of the group may have looked like females, it sounds like you may have seen a flock of Mallards in their eclipse plumage, which is normal for this time of year. Eclipse plumage is a temporary or transition plumage and occurs in late summer when Mallards have finished breeding and are starting to moult. For about a month, they can’t fly and are vulnerable to predators. Males look like females during this period so that they appear less obvious. It might be that this large flock has come together for safety while they’re more vulnerable and struggling to fly.
Which is which?
Grass Snake vs Slow-worm
Of the three native UK snakes (Adder, Smooth Snake and Grass Snake), Grass Snake is the most commonly spotted in gardens. However, there is a similar animal that also turns up in gardens that can cause confusion – the Slow-worm, which is actually a legless lizard. Grass Snake are widespread in England and Wales but rare in Scotland, whereas Slow-worm are widespread in most of Britain. Neither live in Northern Ireland.
When collecting seeds, make sure you collect from public places. Some brilliant wildlife-friendly plants that produce seedheads include 1 Globe Thistles (Echinops spp), 2 Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum), 3 Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), 4 Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and Alliums (Allium spp). You can use paper bags to store seeds through winter source for birds and other wildlife.
• Usually green or brown
• Distinctive yellow/cream and black ‘collar’
• Black bar markings on either side; some also have spots on the back
• Round eyes with no lids
• 70–100cm in length (some females can grow larger)
bullet-shaped head
• Looks smooth and shiny
• Moveable eyelid, which allows them to blink
• 35–40cm in length
• Can detach their tails when attacked, like other lizards
Wasp Spider egg sac
An RSPB member sent us this photo of a cocoon-like structure, which shows the impressive handiwork of a Wasp Spider! These spiders are found across the south of England and get their name from their yellow and black striped appearance. Once mated, the female Wasp Spider (pictured) lays her eggs and then spins a large, brown egg-sac, as seen in this photo. It’s usually hung in the vegetation near her web. Once autumn comes, the females die off and the young hatch from the eggs before winter. However, they stay within the safety of the egg sac and do not emerge until spring.
I saw a bird in my garden that looked like a Blackbird, but it had a brown head. Was this a Brown-headed Cowbird?
Alice Bell
Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to North America, and it would be very unusual to see one in the UK. The bird you are describing is likely to be a juvenile Blackbird. Quite often, moulting Blackbirds are mistaken for these birds when they’re in-between their juvenile plumage, which is brown in colour, and their adult plumage which, for males, will be black. This process doesn’t happen suddenly, and usually the head feathers are the last to be replaced, resulting in a black body and brown head. At this time of year, as birds change from their juvenile to adult plumage, they can look quite unusual!
CORRECTION:
In our Spring/Summer 2025 issue, we incorrectly stated that the Steller’s Sea Eagle lives in Eastern Europe. The bird can instead be found in fareastern Russia along the Sea of Okhotsk, as well as in other parts of north-eastern Asia such as Japan.
CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SUMATRA
An in-depth exploration of Sumatra aboard the MS Island Sky – 23rd July to 8th August 2026
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky as we circumnavigate Sumatra, the world’s sixth-largest island. Separated from mainland Asia by the Strait of Malacca and from Java by the Strait of Sunda, Sumatra lies at the heart of geological and cultural crossroads. Spectacular volcanoes and mysterious calderas are many along the Barisan Mountains, the long spinal range of the island following Sumatra’s west coast. Perpetual warmth and the presence of high peaks have made the natural environment of this large landmass one of the most diverse in the world: the many national parks of the island are an attempt to protect this increasingly endangered treasure.
Sumatra was revealed to the Western world by Marco Polo and is often referred to as the Isle of Gold: sailing around its diverse shores, exploring its coastal communities and occasionally venturing inland, we will be able to understand why. The privilege of exploring this remarkable land from a small ship and in the company of knowledgeable expedition team members and local guides is an opportunity not to be missed.
MS ISLAND SKY is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 118, the all-suite vessel has the benefit of unusually large accommodation, public areas and spacious outside decks. All suites feature a sitting area and some have a private balcony. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a lounge, elegant bar, library and a single seating dining room. Outside there is a rear sun deck, a bar and comfortable deck furniture. The atmosphere on board is akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from the onboard speakers, informative port briefings and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room, all contribute to making any voyage aboard the MS Island Sky a memorable experience.
SMALL SHIPS – BIG EXPERIENCES WITH NOBLE CALEDONIA
THE ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1 London to Singapore. Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Singapore. Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 Singapore & Malacca Strait. After breakfast we will depart the hotel for a guided tour of Singapore which will include the National Orchid Garden. After lunch we will continue to the MS Island Sky.
Day 4 Malacca, Malaysia. Before setting off for Sumatra we spend the morning in the historic port of Malacca. This strategically placed city has a fascinating history brought vividly to life in the excellent Ethnographical Museum. Our guided tour will also include the 16th century Portuguese fortress, the former Dutch Governor’s house and the impressive Christ Church.
Day 5 Lake Toba, Sumatra, Indonesia. We arrive on Sumatra at Kuala Tanjung, our base to visit the iconic Lake Toba. At over 1145 square kilometres it is the largest lake in southeast Asia and found in the volcanic peaks of the island. After an early breakfast we will start our journey inland passing through the palm oil, rubber and cocoa plantations enroute to Parapat, the gateway town located in the beautiful and fertile volcanic basin at the northern end of the Bukit Barisan mountain range. The scenery is stunning and after lunch in a local restaurant we will board our boat to cruise across the lake to the central island of Samosir. We will visit the beautiful traditional houses and ancient tombs of Laga Siallagan, the first king of Ambarita.
Day 6 Belawan. There will be a choice of excursions today, choose a long but rewarding day as we drive inland to the eastern side of the Gunung Leuser National Park and visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at Bukit Lawang. This is now one of the world’s most important conservation projects as orphaned orangutans are brought here to learn how to live in the wild again. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship in the late afternoon. Alternatively explore the highlights of Medan, the nearby capital of North Sumatra.
Day 7 At Sea. We have a day to relax as we cruise the coast to the northern tip of Sumatra.
Day 8 Pulau Weh & Banda Aceh. This morning we anchor off Pulau Weh where our Zodiacs will take us to Gapang Beach. Here we have a chance to swim in the
clear waters considered some of the best in Indonesia. Alternatively relax on the beach or take a walk through the small town. We will sail over lunch to Banda Aceh. Many will recall the destruction caused to this port on the northern tip of Sumatra by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. Enormous effort has been made to rebuild since the fateful day and we will visit the Tsunami Museum, memorial and educational centre that document the impact. We will also visit the Aceh Cultural Museum and the Baiturrahman Mosque.
Day 9 Simeulue Islands. After a morning at sea we arrive in the archipelago of the Simeulue Islands. Located 100 miles from the Sumatran coast and with white sand beaches, vast coral reefs and a pristine blue sea dotted with a multitude of seamounts, atolls and small islets, Simeulue Island is well off the traditional tourist route. We will use our Zodiacs to land on one of the local beaches for swimming, snorkelling and nature walks.
Day 10 Pulau Nias. We continue south and land on the island of Nias some 70 miles from the west coast of Sumatra. Its isolation has protected its cultural heritage and we will see some wonderful examples of tribal art and unique architecture. After an island drive we will witness a stone jumping demonstration in a traditional village. Here, talented local villagers leap over six foot tall stone megaliths in a rite of passage.
Day 11 Siberut & Pulau Karangmajat. This morning we will anchor off the Mentawai archipelago. Like Nias, these islands have a unique culture, flora and fauna due to their isolation from the rest of the country. On arrival we travel through the tropical forest to a small village where we will be invited to the meeting house to enjoy a cultural performance. The island is rich in wildlife and we will keep an eye out for some of the 140 bird species. Over lunch we sail to the islands off the coast to enjoy a beach walk or snorkel.
Day 12 Padang for Bukittinggi. We return to the Sumatran mainland today at the port of Padang, our base for a choice of excursions. We will head inland passing the magnificent Anai valley and visit the breathtaking Ngari Sianok Canyon where we will see the tunnels built by the Japanese during the second world war before ending in Bukittinggi. Here we will witness cultural performances and try some local delicacies. The region is also home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldii which can grow to nearly one metre across and weigh up to 11 kilogrammes. These typically bloom between
August and November, if we do arrive in season, we will arrange a full day excursion visiting the Batang Paluph Nature Reserve where we will enjoy walks in search of the flower.
Day 13 Bengkulu. After a morning at sea we reach the southern half of the island and the city of Bengkulu. On a city drive we will view Fort Marlborough, the British cemetery and explore the bustling local market.
Day 14 Pulau Krakatoa. This afternoon we sail into the Suna Strait and towards the island of Krakatoa. The volcano here famously exploded in 1883, killing 36,417 people. The explosion is considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history. If conditions permit, we will use our Zodiacs to land on the island where you can choose to join a nature walk, climb up the lower slopes of the volcano or swim in the surrounding waters.
Day 15 Belitung Islands. Arrive at lunchtime in the idyllic Belitung Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Sumatra famed for their long beaches and crystal clear seawater. We have the afternoon to enjoy the beaches and the wonderful coral reefs.
Day 16 At Sea. Enjoy a relaxing final day on board.
Day 17 Singapore to London. Disembark and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight.
PRICES & INCLUSIONS
Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £10995 for a Standard Suite. Suites for sole use from £13295
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Singapore with breakfast • 14 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Gratuities • Shore excursions • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
NB. Ports and itinerary are subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. Travel insurance, Indonesian visa and dinner in Singapore on day 2 are not included in the price. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations. Zodiacs will be used during this expedition.
DAYS IN NATURE
The RSPB manages over 200 nature reserves. Find one near you at rspb.org.uk/ reserves
Hope birds for
The RSPB’s nature reserves cover an incredible 160,000 hectares (around 395,368 acres) of land. That’s an area larger than Greater London or Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly known as Brecon Beacons) National Park! Managing this huge area requires
constant
effort but, thanks to your support, this is making a huge difference to populations of birds and other wildlife.
“The scale of the RSPB’s ability to recover wildlife across our nature reserves is something very special,” says James Robinson, RSPB Chief Operating Officer. “And the decades of experience and expertise on our reserves influences how other land is managed, too – for example, the way farming schemes are designed, and protected areas are looked after.”
The RSPB carefully chooses where best to spend income raised from your membership and other sources, such as donations, grants and legacies. Some land is better suited to other types of conservation and management, such as agri-environment schemes which can support sustainable management practices.
You’re most likely to see wetland, woodland, heathland and upland landscapes, as well as seabird colonies, featured on the list of RSPB nature reserves. “These are among the most biologically diverse habitats and are often where the most important populations of conservation-dependent species are found,” Kelly Thomas, RSPB Senior Ecologist, explains. “And these are usually the habitats that have been lost or degraded in the wider landscape.”
When considering which bird species to focus on, the RSPB refers to birds’ statuses in the Birds of
Conservation Concern report. This report is produced in conjunction with a number of conservation groups and categorises birds on Red, Amber and Green Lists. Those on the UK Red List are in serious decline and need urgent support.
In the case of nature reserves, RSPB experts will look at priority species for whom the charity’s land management can make a real difference, species such as Roseate Tern, Red-necked Phalarope and Bittern.
Previous: Bittern numbers are increasing at some RSPB sites
1. RSPB nature reserves have transformed the fortunes of the Avocet
2. Coquet Island is one of the most important seabird colonies in Europe
3. Volunteers are vital to reserve management, such as this reed-cutting party at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
4. Around half of UK Bitterns breed at RSPB sites
5. Lake Vyrnwy is a vital site for nature
“In practice, we aim to provide suitable conditions for the characteristic wildlife of that particular habitat, while also putting in place additional measures to benefit priority species that need something extra. An example would be providing suitable conditions for the characteristic wildlife of coastal grazing marsh using grazing, water level and ditch management, while also using specially designed fencing to protect Lapwing and Redshank nests from Foxes and other ground predators,” says RSPB Principal Ecologist Malcolm Ausden.
RSPB teams of staff and volunteers put considerable effort into monitoring birds and other wildlife on the reserves. There are also records from other surveys and incidental records from visitors to RSPB nature reserves. Each year, RSPB ecologists review how species are faring across all RSPB sites.
The results from 2024 show a mixed year for wildlife. Unusually prolonged flooding on many wetland reserves caused problems for many species, especially where those floods were present during the breeding season. There was some good news, with growing numbers of Bitterns, Cranes, Spoonbills and Great White Egrets, for example. And there were disappointments, including challenges for tern colonies. Here are five examples of RSPB-managed habitats that show the status of various species, along with what happens ‘behind the scenes’ to give those birds the best chance of survival.
Working on wetlands
The Avocet became the emblem of the RSPB because the story of its return to the UK gives hope that conservation efforts are ultimately worthwhile. When the charity took over stewardship of Minsmere in 1947, the protection offered by the RSPB team allowed Avocets to establish a stronghold from which they could spread. Without the RSPB stepping in, the return of Avocets to the UK could easily have been halted. Today, Avocets continue to increase on RSPB reserves, which supported more than 1,300 breeding pairs of them in 2024. At Cors Ddyga, 72 pairs of Lapwings raised 120 young. Lapwings also reached record breeding levels at Onziebust and Saltholme, and 17 RSPB nature reserves each supported more than 100 pairs of wet grassland-breeding waders in 2024, including Frampton Marsh, Loch Gruinart, the Lower Lough Erne islands and Ynys-hir. Crane numbers also hit record levels, with the first pair nesting at Ham Wall. But it wasn’t all good news. At the Ouse and Nene Washes, waders, including the limosa race of Black-tailed Godwits, had an extremely poor year due to flooding and high levels of predation.
Previous: Andrew Parkinson (Alamy Stock Photo). Illustrations: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com). Photos: Paul Sawer, Ray Kennedy, Catherine Bullen, Jules Cox, Eleanor Bentall (all rspb-images.com)
Bill Griffiths, RSPB member since 2001
‘I had never visited a reserve until recently. I now know what I’ve been missing! I saw so much that, previously, I’d only seen on the small screen. It has whet my appetite for more’
The restoration and management of wetlands, including coastal habitat, marshes and reedbeds, is a significant part of the RSPB’s work on nature reserves. These crucial habitats are havens for wildlife, but can also play a major role in storing carbon and reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. Since 1990, the RSPB has also been involved in a third of all intertidal habitat recreated in the UK, replacing lost coastal habitat but also preparing for expected future losses caused by the climate crisis. Designing and creating wetlands is complicated and involves calculating current and likely future water availability as the climate continues to change, while designing intertidal habitat recreation requires modelling of likely effects on surrounding areas of coastal habitat.
Well-managed wet grassland, where measures are in place to protect ground-nesting birds from predation, is a recipe for breeding success for species such as Lapwing and Redshank. “We’re waiting to see
In numbers
Species success stories
the results of the Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey,” explains Kelly, “but it’s likely this will show that, in England and Wales, a large proportion of Redshank and Lapwing nesting on wet grassland now occurs on RSPB nature reserves. They’ve disappeared from most of the rest of the countryside.”
Restoring reedbeds
Perhaps one of the greatest bird conservation success stories here is that of the Bittern, that loud but elusive reedbed-dweller. In 1997, there were only 11 ‘booming’ male Bitterns recorded in the whole of the UK. Unfortunately, the majority of the reedbeds those birds were found in are at risk from coastal flooding, and Bitterns need freshwater. Despite this, there are now 283 booming Bitterns, half of which are on RSPB nature reserves.
Bitterns were on the brink of vanishing from the UK because of the lack of suitable habitat, so conservationists, including dedicated RSPB staff and volunteers, have spent decades creating and restoring reedbeds, mainly in inland areas where the habitat is safe from rising sea levels and coastal flooding. About 70% of the UK Bittern population can now be found in these safer reedbeds. The reedbeds also provide homes for breeding Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers, Cranes, Great White Egrets, Water Rails and a variety of other wildlife, including Water Voles. RSPB nature reserves are particularly important, both nationally and internationally, for a range of waterbirds and support a large proportion of the UK’s wintering Knot, Black-tailed Godwits, Whooper Swans and Barnacle Geese, to name but a few.
Helping heathlands
Overall, the Dartford Warbler population was a little lower in 2024 than in 2023. However, these delightful little birds are generally doing well. In 1963, there were only three pairs in the whole of the UK, all nesting at Arne in Dorset. Recognising
204,000
wildfowl and
291,000 Shoveler
waders at peak counts across wetland reserves.
More than 10% of the British wintering population, 19 species of waterbirds, are supported by RSPB nature reserves.
60% of the UK’s Storm Petrels breed on land managed by the RSPB, including Mousa in Shetland.
More than 95% of the UK’s Roseate Terns breed on Coquet Island.
Come and join us for a Night of Nature on Saturday 6 September.
It features music from the UK’s number one vocal harmony group (and original X Factor stars) G4 and string quartet Vesper, accompanied by breathtaking silent imagery of the natural world.
Join us, and bring a friend.
This unforgettable evening is a thank you from us, and a thank you from nature.
Saturday 6 September at 7.30pm. Tickets from £28.
The Troxy, London Book here:
2 Total support and Comfort: Our pillows are filled with tiny wool balls that give outstanding head and neck support, with a zipped percale cotton cover that can be removed and washed on a hot cycle, and tumble dried. The zip also lets you get at the wool so that it can be fluffed up thoroughly whenever needed.
3 You will have the best sleep ever! Having a regulated temperature and supported neck is key for optimal sleep quality
4 You will feel better! Getting a good night’s sleep improves brain function, boosts immunity, supports heart health, balances hormones, enhances mood, and promotes overall physical and mental well-being
5 Hypoallergenic, Antibacterial & Dust Mite Resistant – Wool Pillows are ideal for allergy sufferers, as wool repels dust mites, mould, and bacteria and is naturally antibacterial.
6 100% British Wool – Baavet supports local farmers and ensures high-quality, chemical-free materials, unlike others who source poor-quality and chemical-laden wools from other countries.
7 Genuinely made in the UK – Each duvet is carefully made in Britain, at Baavet HQ nestled amongst the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia, ensuring top craftsmanship and quality.
8 Moisture-Wicking & Breathable – Wool absorbs excess moisture and releases it into the air, preventing clamminess and overheating.
9 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Made from natural, biodegradable materials with no synthetic fillings or harsh chemicals, and with proper care, a Baavet wool Pillow can last for years
10 Our customers love them! Users praise Baavet pillows for their comfort and quality, with many noting improved sleep and satisfaction.
“The service at Baavet is amazing!”
“The service at Baavet is amazing.
I placed my order and received my parcel the next day. I was also able to talk to a person before placing my order to discuss the pillow. I bought the Baavet wool duvet a while ago and the service was just as good then too. I have recommended this company to siblings and they have also had good experiences. So it does seem to be consistently good customer service. The quality is still fantastic. Their product checking process seems to be super stringent. I would definitely recommend this company and will be purchasing from them again.”
Trusted Customer
“They have absolutely transformed my sleep!”
“I have arthritis in my neck joints and had struggled to find the right pillow as most are either too bulky or unsupportive, causing restless nights and pain. I have found the Baavet pillow to be easily moulded to my shape, allowing me to create just the right level of support. An added bonus for me is that the materials are natural and breathable, unlike a lot of the foam pillows. Currently contemplating a Baavet duvet!.” - Trusted Customer
*O er ends 30th September 2025. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
