RSPB England

@rspbengland.bsky.social

Restoring habitats, saving species and connecting people to the wonder of nature, across England. Together, we fly.

It's here, Big Garden Birdwatch has finally arrived. We're off to a great start, with Woodpigeon, Robin, two Great Tits on the feeder and a Blackbird rummaging for berries. Let us know in the comments what you're seeing and share your photos with us too we'd love to see them.

Register now for the Big Garden Birdwatch 23-26 January to take part in the world's largest garden wildlife survey Who will be this year's garden faithfuls and traitors? One hour to sit, chill & watch the birds, recording the highest number of each species seen at any one time Link in the comments

A Robin with a bright red chest stood on vivid green grass next to wet brown leaves - Jo Taylor

Last night, Peers voted against Swift bricks: rejecting a simple, proven way to help one of our fastest declining birds recover. ❌ We share @hannahbournetaylor.bsky.social's disappointment & frustration. The vote came late, but with government refusing to back it, its fate was already sealed.

A close, detailed portrait of a Swift’s face. Its dark eyes and sleek feathers fill the frame, showing a rare close-up this special and vulnerable bird.

This was the last chance to secure Swift bricks in the Planning Bill itself. We’ll keep pushing for other ways to make it happen. Nature shouldn’t be optional in the places we live. 🍃

A single Swift peeks out from a purpose-built nesting brick set into a red-brick wall. These simple hollow bricks provide vital nesting spaces for Swifts in new homes.

Baroness Freeman withdrew am. 246 on bird-safe glass after the Government said it would look at possible targeted measures for commercial buildings. We'll support her in holding them to this at the Third Reading...and keep fighting for a system that builds nature in, not out.❗️

Several Swifts sweep and twist through a blue sky beside a row of houses, their silhouettes cutting across the sunlight.

The Planning Bill is back in the Lords today - and it still falls short of the win-win for nature the Government says it wants. We’re grateful to the Peers that have stepped up with vital fixes. But today’s votes help decide whether this Bill truly delivers for nature & people. 👇

A Wren perches upright on a thin branch, singing with full force, tiny but defiant. Its wide open beak and stance capture the spirit of a voice raised for nature, echoing the urgency of today’s vote on the Planning Bill.

We urge all Peers to back: 148: To avoid environmental damage first & foremost 114: To add a duty to consider climate & nature in decisions 130: To limit EDPs to where they're effective 140, 245 & 246: To embed Swift bricks, bird-safe glass & hedgehog highways into new homes

A group of Swifts wheels and darts above the roofs of new houses under a clear blue sky. Their shapes slice the air: a reminder of what’s at stake, and why features like Swift bricks, bird-safe glass and hedgehog highways matter in new developments.

The Government says this Bill is about growth, but there’s no long-term growth if nature is weakened. ‼️ Peers can change that today by backing science and backing nature. This matters for everyone who cares about the future. We’ll be watching... & our assessment will follow.

A House Sparrow stands alert on a tiled rooftop, framed against warm brick. It looks outward, poised and watchful...reflecting our focus as the Lords debate decisions that will shape the future of nature.

Today, the Planning Bill returns to the Lords. And the future of nature in England’s planning system is on the line. 🌳⚠️ Peers must back the amendments* that protect wildlife, ensure accountability, and build nature back into our homes & communities. *130, 140 & 245, 114, 148

A Robin perches upright on a branch, chest puffed out and beak open mid-song. Its stance and expression convey urgency: a symbol of nature’s voice calling out as the future of England’s planning system hangs in the balance.

Today’s report shows the UK Government has taken some steps to help restore nature over the past year - with over 10 million trees planted and new National Nature Reserves declared. But it’s not enough. Progress remains too slow, as nature is continuing to decline.

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After decades of campaigning, restrictions on toxic lead ammunition are finally on the way. 👏 A long-overdue move that will save tens of thousands of birds & countless other wildlife from lead poisoning. Thank you to all who campaigned with us & to UK Gov for taking this step.

A Red Kite glides in mid-turn above a softly blurred countryside, its rust-red body and distinctive forked tail sharply outlined. The sun lights up the bird’s feathers and yellow eye as it scans the land below.

Help us build a UK-wide picture of where Swifts are nesting, so that we can better target our conservation efforts, by logging your Swift nest sightings on Swift Mapper 👉brnw.ch/21wTMyw Full guidance on what to look for and how you can help👉 brnw.ch/21wTMyv

Congrats to everyone who's secured a place for the 2026 #LondonMarathon 🥳 And if you're not one of the lucky ones, don't fret, you can still apply for a place to run for the RSPB! More details 👇 www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu...

Run the London Marathon in 2026

rspb.org.uk

RSPB England@rspbengland.bsky.social · last yr.

Run the #LondonMarathon in 2026! Over 1 million people applied to take on the challenge earlier this month, but there’s still time to be part of the RSPB flock! Find out more and apply for a place at the link below 👇

Runner in a blue RSPB vest at the London Marathon. They are looking directly at the camera with their hands in the air and mouth wide open in an excited manner.

Rooted in the Environment Act 2021, Protected Site Strategies offer a new statutory means to tackle the issues affecting some of our most important places for nature, by looking beyond the boundaries of protected sites to create a strategic landscape-scale plan for recovery.

A photograph of a Lapwing

The Chancellor spoke of ‘fixing the foundations.’ But no foundation is more vital – or more at risk – than nature. It underpins our health, our economy, and our food security. The government must continue to invest in its recovery: because there is no future without it. 🍃

A Yellowhammer perches quietly on a branch, bathed in golden evening light. Around it, leaves glow softly in the fading sun. The image captures a fragile moment in nature: beautiful, vital, and at risk...reminding us what’s at stake if we fail to invest in a thriving natural world.

For months, alongside farmers, supporters, and nature groups, we’ve made the case for protecting nature-friendly farming. Today, we’re pleased to see HM Treasury has listened: the nature-friendly farming budget has been maintained. This is a crucial step, but nature needs more...

A swathe of oxeye daisies in full bloom lines the edge of a green arable field, under a blue sky scattered with light cloud. The scene evokes a thriving, balanced countryside where wildflowers and crops grow side by side.

Bottom trawling tears up fragile seabed habitats & harms the life that depends on them. Today’s UK Government decision to ban it in 40+ Marine Protected Areas offers hope: a chance to let our seas recover & life return. 🌊 Let's see Marine Protected Areas live up to their name.

A dramatic aerial view of turquoise waves crashing against rugged cliffs, swirling with energy and white foam. A wild and powerful seascape, alive with motion, this is the marine world we must protect.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has reported over 200 more wildfires this year than for the same period in 2022 - the worst year on record for wildfires, and more hot spells are predicted. Most wildfires are preventable, help us to keep people, nature and wildlife safe.

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