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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Starlings fall to record low in UK’s 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch

A starling perches on a shrub
The average number of starlings in each garden dropped from 2.4 to 2.3, the lowest figure recorded for the bird since the annual survey started in 1979. Photograph: Andy Hay/PA

Fewer starlings than ever have been spotted by participants in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, raising fears for their numbers.

The bird conservation charity is urging Britain’s gardeners to keep their lawns wild by not cutting them too often, and to avoid the use of pesticides, which reduce the number of insects to eat and can poison birds.

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