All over Britain, birds are disappearing. Since just 1994, the number of blackbirds has dropped by 16 per cent, house martins by 35 per cent, cuckoos by 47 per cent, song thrushes by 50 per cent, starlings by 73 per cent and tree sparrows by 93 per cent.
This decline is the result of modern farming practices, notably the use of pesticides (which kill insects and seed plants that birds eat) and the massive destruction of hedgerows, woodland and rough grassland which provided food and nesting sites. In urban areas, too, sprays and pellets have killed insects and over-tidying has reduced nesting places.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here