logo
UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds

UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds

Wales Onlinea day ago

UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging UK households to take action for one of the most frequently seen birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces
The house sparrow has seen a "drastic" decline in population
(Image: Getty Images )
UK households are being urged to act if they notice sparrows in their gardens. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has noted a "drastic" drop in the population of house sparrows, one of the most commonly sighted birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces.
The RSPB's recent Big Garden Birdwatch disclosed that breeding numbers of house sparrows have drastically declined since records began.

The birds are now on the UK Red List for "high conservation concern."

The charity is now calling on individuals to help these struggling birds by taking action in their own gardens.
It recommends allowing a part of the garden to grow wild this summer to attract the insects that these birds depend on for survival.
The RSPB stated: "House Sparrows are one of the UK's most widespread birds.
Article continues below
"While they are often the most commonly spotted garden birds in Big Garden Birdwatch, unfortunately their breeding numbers have drastically declined since records began over the last 50 years."
The charity has now stepped in, urging gardeners to set aside a portion of their lawn to support the bird population.
The RSPB recommends: "One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects.

"Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer?
"You'll get a rest, and you'll reap the rewards come Big Garden Birdwatch 2026."
The RSPB emphasises that these birds could be saved with collective effort. They commented: "The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas.
Article continues below
"From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature.
"That's why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dog Speeds 2025: Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of adorable dog
Dog Speeds 2025: Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of adorable dog

Scotsman

timean hour ago

  • Scotsman

Dog Speeds 2025: Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of adorable dog

We're a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend . By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that's a scientific fact. The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds . Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don't have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies. There's also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust . There's even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren's book 'The Intelligence of Dogs' ranking breeds by instincts the ability to adapt. But if you want a pup that will do two laps of the park before more of its canine friends have done one, there are a few dogs you should have at the top of your list. Meanwhile, if you'd rather have a pet who enjoys life at a slower pace, then there are also many perfect breeds for you. Here are the 20 fastest and slowest breeds of dog. 1 . Greyhound We're starting with the speediest of pooches. It probably comes as no surprise that the fastest breed of all is the Greyhound. They are born to run, although are surprisingly lazy the rest of the time, and have an incredible top speed of 45mph. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Saluki One of the most ancient breeds of dog, the Saluki is thought to date back to ancient Egypt. With a top speed of 42mph they are the second fastest dog breed. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Afghan Hound In joint bronze medal position for quickest canine is the Afghan Hound. At top speed they are a blur of fur, running at 40mph. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Vizla The other dog that can register up to 40mph on the canine speedometer is the Vizla. If this Hungarian breed doesn't get plenty of exercise it can become destructive. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales

Alastair Robertson obituary
Alastair Robertson obituary

The Guardian

time21 hours ago

  • The Guardian

Alastair Robertson obituary

My brother, Alastair Robertson, who has died of cancer aged 75, drew compulsively from an early age, on any scrap of paper. When he lost the use of his right hand in an accident, he transferred his skills to his left. His acutely observed watercolour illustrations of wildlife against delicate backgrounds of washes were widely exhibited in the 1970s and 80s. He also drew mammals, insects and fish, sometimes with humorous intent, but his passion was birds of prey: he kept a variety of hawks and falcons in his late teens and flew gyrfalcons at a US air force base to prevent bird strikes. Born surrounded by chalk hills in the Hughenden Valley in Buckinghamshire, Alastair was the elder son of Johnstone (Robbie) Robertson, an RAF officer, and Margaret (nee Barber), who had met during the second world war, when our mother was working in intelligence in the WAAF. He was educated at Berkhamsted school, in Hertfordshire, and at Bath Academy of Art, where he was influenced by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. In the 70s, as his reputation grew, he became a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and held exhibitions locally and in the Tryon Gallery in London. Early in his career he provided a cover illustration of wrens for the RSPB's Birds magazine, after which he illustrated a wide range of books. In the 80s he provided meticulously crafted illustrations of rare birds, based on studying skins in the Natural History Museum's ornithological department at Tring, for Save the Birds, a groundbreaking publication of the world's threatened birds by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the International Council for Bird Preservation (now Birdlife International). From the early 80s he lived in a National Trust property near Sharpenhoe in Bedfordshire, where he carried out warden duties on the surrounding chalk downland in lieu of rent. There he met Anna Poray-Gedroyc, an extrovert and bubbly woman, and they married in 1985; she died in 2021. If Alastair cut an eccentric figure, accompanied by one of his Scottish deerhounds, it was because he was far from the centre of most human life, and happiest sitting on a chalk hill quietly looking at birds. These observations were faithfully rendered into his paintings. At the end, unable to speak, and conscious that he was dying, he typed out a farewell to the effect that the process was of enormous interest exclusively to him, and ended with 'sorry to be selfish'. He is survived by me, two nephews, Liam and Patrick, and by a niece, Marion.

UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds
UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds

Wales Online

timea day ago

  • Wales Online

UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds

UK households with gardens urged to take action if they see these birds The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging UK households to take action for one of the most frequently seen birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces The house sparrow has seen a "drastic" decline in population (Image: Getty Images ) UK households are being urged to act if they notice sparrows in their gardens. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has noted a "drastic" drop in the population of house sparrows, one of the most commonly sighted birds in UK gardens and outdoor spaces. The RSPB's recent Big Garden Birdwatch disclosed that breeding numbers of house sparrows have drastically declined since records began. ‌ The birds are now on the UK Red List for "high conservation concern." ‌ The charity is now calling on individuals to help these struggling birds by taking action in their own gardens. It recommends allowing a part of the garden to grow wild this summer to attract the insects that these birds depend on for survival. The RSPB stated: "House Sparrows are one of the UK's most widespread birds. Article continues below "While they are often the most commonly spotted garden birds in Big Garden Birdwatch, unfortunately their breeding numbers have drastically declined since records began over the last 50 years." The charity has now stepped in, urging gardeners to set aside a portion of their lawn to support the bird population. The RSPB recommends: "One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. ‌ "Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer? "You'll get a rest, and you'll reap the rewards come Big Garden Birdwatch 2026." The RSPB emphasises that these birds could be saved with collective effort. They commented: "The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas. Article continues below "From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature. "That's why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store