The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with the results from the latest survey demonstrating a picture of ups and downs for the UK's bird species. BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK's common and widespread breeding birds, producing trends for 119 species.

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with the results from the latest survey demonstrating a picture of ups and downs for the UK’s bird species.

BBS is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 119 species.

The report reveals some extraordinary contrasts in fortune among UK’s most familiar birds. Between 1995 and 2022, species such as Little Egret (up 2,347%), Red Kite (2,232%) and Cetti’s Warbler (934%) have represented great success stories. However, the situation is quite the opposite for many others, with severe declines in the likes of Willow Tit (down 90%), Wood Warbler (81%) and Common Swift (66%), all which are struggling to cope in a contemporary UK.