One Planet News: Rare birds found on Longleat Estate
Longleat Estate in Wiltshire reports amazing number of rare birds
by Annette J Beveridge
A surprising number of rare birds have been spotted in Wiltshire just in time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
The rare birds were identified on the Longleat Estate and include a lesser spotted woodpecker, northern lapwing, hawfinch and woodcock.
The video shows a spotted flycatcher.
Longleat’s Conservation Manager, Dr Tom Lewis, said: “We have a number of surveys which take place on the estate, and we found 85 species in 2024.
“In the UK we use the Red List to grade the conservation needs of each species, there are three levels Red, Amber and Green. We recorded 15 species that are on the UK red list which is a list of those declining rapidly and 24 on the amber list of those declining. ”
“It’s really exciting to have this evidence as we work to build our approach to conservation. The results will inform our habitat management and provide a benchmark so we can make comparisons in the future which is vital to measure the impact of the conservation work we undertake.”
List of birds identified on the estate:
Read more: Amazing wildlife moments
If you want to encourage and support the bird population, try adding a water feature and wildflowers to the garden. Gardens are often too tidy. If possible, leave a patch of nettles or brambles as nature will make use of them.
When feeding the birds, care should be taken to keep feeders clean and this can prevent diseases from spreading between different species.
Dr Lewis added: “As a result of work we have done at Longleat we have already seen beavers, water voles and pine martens making their home here.”
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place this weekend and people are asked to spend an hour monitoring the birds they see during that time.
Longleat is holding a Winter Wonders week. Find out more here.
