Protecting Species Under Threat

Bitterns are large birds that live in reedbeds. The male’s booming call means they’re more often heard than seen. Once common in wetlands, Bittern numbers have fluctuated significantly and by 1997, only 11 booming males were recorded in the UK. The RSPB and English Nature (now Natural England) started a research programme to investigate Bittern needs and how best to manage habitat for them.

The results led to work to create suitable conditions for Bittern, including the creation of new reedbeds, restoring existing reedbeds by raising water levels, controlling vegetation, excavating and reshaping pools and ditches in the reedbeds, and habitat enhancements to increase the number of fish for the birds to eat.

Since these measures were put in place, Bittern numbers have been on the rise. Over 200 booming males were recorded in 2022 in the UK.  The increase in sites used by Bitterns has greatly reduced the species’ vulnerability to chance events and sea-level rise. 

Members of the crow family, Choughs are striking black birds with crimson beaks. In the past, especially during the 19th century, their numbers declined due to persecution. Restoring grazing in areas where Choughs had been lost, as well as maintaining good conditions where they remained has helped recovery.  Although there have been increases in some parts of the UK, in other areas, declines have occurred. Our research, alongside that of Chough Study Groups, has increased our pool of knowledge on food requirements, disease and stock management. The RSPB is providing suitable conditions for Choughs on its nature reserves and encouraging others who share their land with Choughs to do the same. 

The Cirl Bunting is the UK’s rarest resident farmland bird, found mainly in south Devon. In the 1930s, Cirl Buntings were widespread in southern England but by 1989, there were only about 120 pairs left. RSPB research discovered that changes in land management had reduced food and nest site availability. 

The RSPB lobbied hard for a special management prescription for the Cirl Bunting and in 1992, it was introduced as an option in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS). This has encouraged many landowners to provide the weedy stubbles which are vital for the birds’ winter survival. Since 1993, a dedicated RSPB project officer has worked with landowners to help them farm in Cirl Bunting-friendly ways.

Research published in 2008 showed that Cirl Buntings increased by 146% on farms that were part of the CSS compared with only 56% on areas that were not. By 2016, the population had recovered to over 1,000 pairs. Things are brighter for Cirl Buntings than 25 years ago, but there are still big challenges. To secure a long-term future, wide-ranging changes in farming policy are needed. 

Known for its spectacular skydancing flight, the Hen Harrier is one of the UK’s most threatened birds of prey. Breeding Hen Harriers disappeared from mainland Britain by 1900. Numbers have risen since then, but they remain well below what the available habitat suggests there should be.

Though not a main part of their diet, Hen Harriers can hunt Red Grouse, which are highly valued as a game bird. In recent decades, Hen Harrier numbers have fallen in areas where moorland is managed for driven grouse shooting. Although Hen Harriers are protected by law, wildlife crime linked to driven grouse shooting is holding back their recovery. The RSPB is calling for licensing of driven grouse shooting to further protect them.

We’re also involved in a number of projects and partnerships including satellite-tagging of juveniles to threats to Hen Harriers and ensure their future. 

The Osprey is a magnificent bird of prey, with a wingspan of more than 1.5 meters. It's one of the only birds of prey in the UK that specialises in catching fish. Ospreys were persecuted to extinction in the UK during the 1800s.

In the 1950s, birds migrating to Scandinavia began to turn up in Scotland, and the first confirmed breeding was in 1954. In 1958, the birds began breeding at the now famous Loch Garten site in Strathspey, where the RSPB set up Operation Osprey – a 24-hour protection watch. Ospreys have returned and bred successfully at this site nearly every year since. The RSPB bought the Loch Garten site specifically for Osprey conservation.  

There are now around 250 nesting Osprey pairs in Britain. While they still face threats in the form of habitat destruction and environmental pollution, the future for Ospreys in the UK looks good. They have benefited ecotourism in a number of places, including thousands of people who visit RSPB Loch Garten every summer to see them.  

White-tailed Eagles became extinct in the UK in the 20th century. Successful reintroduction projects mean that there are now more than 150 territorial pairs in Scotland The RSPB has been involved with White-tailed Eagle reintroduction work since the 1970s.

In partnership with the police and local communities, we have raised awareness and helped reduce the impact of White-tailed Eagle egg theft. We have also liaised with farmers and crofters to address concerns around White-tailed Eagles allegedly taking lambs. The re-established population on the west coast of Scotland is increasing and, with plenty more suitable habitat, there’s space for White-tailed Eagles to spread their wings.

As the reintroduced population in Scotland is doing so well, RSPB is not prioritising further releases. Other organisations are working to establish breeding populations, for example in England, and we support these initiatives.  We believe that any moving of birds must be undertaken legally, follow best practice international guidelines, and have the support of people in both the donor (where the birds are coming from) and release (where the birds are going to) areas.