Good news for garden birds

There has been some good news for garden birds of late; news that has, to some extent, slipped by unnoticed because attention has been focussed on more glamorous species. This is the addition of several garden birds, most notably dunnock, starling and house sparrow, to the Government’s list of species to receive priority conservation action. Known as the BAP list, where BAP stands for Biodiversity Action Plan, the list is one of a number of different tools that the Government uses to help it determine the best ways in which to deliver its conservation action within the UK. Periodic reviews of the status of each of our plants, animals and habitats, enable experts to assess which species are in greatest need of support. Central to this review process are the data collected through long-term monitoring schemes, each charting the changing fortunes of our wildlife.

Some 26 bird species were already on the list (following the first BAP review, carried out in 1995) and to these have been added a further 33. The inclusion of house sparrow and starling is particularly welcome; house sparrow numbers have declined dramatically over recent decades and our breeding population is now less than half what it was back in the 1970s. A similarly alarming decline has hit both our breeding and wintering populations of starling. That two species, so closely associated with Man, should be in such difficulties gives us fair warning of our impact on the environment around us. The reasons for their declines are not fully understood and their inclusion on the BAP list should help to direct more resources towards identifying the underlying causes. Once these have been identified, conservationists can set about trying to halt and, ultimately, reverse the declines.

A number of other species that frequent gardens were already on the original BAP list and it is interesting to see how being on the list has helped their status. In some cases, such as for song thrush, inclusion on the BAP list has prompted a great deal of research and this has seen a recovery in numbers in recent years – evidence that the system works. However, for certain other species more clearly needs to be done. The decline in bullfinch has continued, despite inclusion, but we now have a much clearer understanding of why the species is having such a tough time. One of the most important aspects of inclusion on the list is the establishment of a number of key targets. By using targets, it is possible to determine whether the resulting conservation action has been successful. It also provides a focus for the researchers, something to aim for and something by which they can measure their success.