News
Protect our wild places
The UK Government is currently considering weakening vital environmental safeguards for new nuclear projects under the Fingleton Review. Even more worryingly, the PM has suggested these proposals could be expanded wider, putting National Parks, estuaries, peatlands and rare species at needless risk. This is all being justified by the false assertion that nature holds our economy back, when in reality a healthy natural world is what supports a strong and resilient economy. A healthy natural world isn’t a barrier to progress, it’s the foundation of a secure, prosperous country. Help us stop these proposals before they’re locked in. Please email your MP today and urge them to defend vital nature protections by clicking HERE.
Free will writing service
The RSPB has partnered with Octopus Legacy to give people the opportunity to write or update their Will for free - either online, in person or over the phone. The cost is covered by up to £150 - so you can write or update a simple Will free of charge. Gifts left in Wills contribute over a quarter of the RSPB’s income, and although there’s no obligation to leave a gift in your Will when using this service, we are incredibly grateful to all who do. There are other ways to write your Will that still allow you to support causes close to your heart, including directly through a solicitor, ensuring your Will is tailored to your personal circumstances. This is especially helpful if your estate is complex or if you want specific legal advice. Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/support-the-rspb/legacy/write-or-update-your-will-for-free-with-us
RSPB Binoculars Achieves a Which? Great Value Endorsement
We're delighted to announce that our RSPB Skylark® 8x42 binoculars achieved a Which? Great Value endorsement when tested against 18 other binoculars. Each pair was rated on ease of use, brightness and clarity, viewing at close distances, waterproofing and durability.
What the Which? experts had to say:
"Our panellists had no idea this RSPB binocular was just £100 — and were astounded."
"The RSPB Skylark 8x42 are incredible entry-level binoculars that compete with pairs 10 times the price."
Designed by nature lovers for nature lovers, the Skylark® binoculars combine ergonomic design with lightweight construction to make them the perfect partner for all your adventures, for years to come. With superb clarity and image quality, the RSPB Skylark® is a fantastic starter binocular. The entry-level model is fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled, so you'll have crystal-clear views of wildlife, whatever the weather.
Where the Willow Tits Are
The Willow Tit is the UK’s fastest declining resident bird, with numbers falling by a staggering 96% between 1967 and 2023. With remaining Willow Tit populations becoming increasingly isolated and suitable habitat disappearing, we need urgent action to reverse this alarming trend. In 2025 we supported the Where the Willow Tits Are project to help locate remaining Willow Tit hotspots across the south and west Peak District area. With help from around fifty volunteers from our Species Volunteer Network (SVN) and local birdwatchers, the vital information from this project forms the basis for our ambition to enhance and connect Willow Tit habitat across this landscape. Find out more and contact us to help at https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/finding-willow-tits-with-the-species-volunteer-network
International Dawn Chorus Day
Sunday 3 May marks International Dawn Chorus Day 2026. It’s a fantastic occasion. Apart from the fact that it starts at dawn. Further details at www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show
Free youth access to reserves
The two-year pilot scheme offering free youth access to reserves for people aged 16-24 has been completed, and will now become permanent. This age group is underrepresented in our membership and disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis. With this decision, we will welcome more young people to our reserves and support both connection to, and action for, nature. Many Local Groups have also decided to offer free access and/or membership for young people and students, which is encouraged.
Help put a stop to the illegal killing of birds of prey
Following month's landmark conviction in England's first ever Hen Harrier persecution case, we’ve launched a campaign calling for the UK Government to introduce licensing for gamebird shooting in England, helping protect Hen Harriers and other birds of prey. We are asking people to email their MP and highlight the need to tackle illegal raptor persecution. Add your voice and amplify in your group at https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/185536/action
Reverse the Red: how we’re saving species at home and abroad
Thanks to your support, we’re reversing the fortunes of three special birds that are on the Red List of species of most concern. Find out how the RSPB is helping to save threatened birds both here in the UK and globally. Our projects are helping Curlew, Turtle Dove and White-rumped vulture, all in very different ways. Find out more on our website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/reverse-the-red-day
Seal and Birdwatching Cruises from BostonThe programme of Seal and Birdwatching Cruises will once again take place in 2026, aboard the Boston Belle. The cruises sail into The Wash and River Welland, departing from and returning to Boston’s Sluice Bridge Lock (PE21 9JU). Each cruise lasts approximately four to five hours dependent on tides and prevailing weather conditions on the day. The Wash is one of the UKs most important estuaries for wildlife. The coastline has some of the best saltmarsh and mudflats in the country supporting thousands of wildfowl and waders. The cruises run from May through to October. For sailing dates, further details and how to book on a cruise click on THIS LINK. |
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Animated Cumbrian film - showing how trees combat flood risk and climate change - wins international prize
'Wood You Believe It' won ‘Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) Education Award' at the international 'Science Film Festival' 2025. In a 'Creature Comforts' style video, Twiggy - a Cumbrian Red Squirrel - highlights the role trees play in natural flood management and cooling spaces during heatwaves. The film was among 123 finalists across six awards categories, after more than 1,500 videos were submitted from 110 countries. Twiggy is voiced by Annabel Rushton, People and Partnerships Manager at RSPB Haweswater near Penrith.
Suspected Hen Harrier persecution continues
In 2025, it is suspected that a total of seven RSPB satellite-tagged Hen Harriers were illegally killed on or near grouse moors in northern England, with one Hen Harrier confirmed poisoned and six more disappearing in suspicious circumstances – all sending their final transmission on or near land managed for grouse shooting. All incidents were quickly reported to the police and National Wildlife Crime Unit’s Hen Harrier Taskforce. To report anything suspicious, or find out more about the issue, visit www.rspb.org.uk/report-crimes.
25 years of RSPB Hope Farm sees bird populations soar
Farm Manager Georgie Bray reflects on what we’ve learned and the benefits of nature-friendly farming at www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/diary-of-a-nature-friendly-farmer
Tell the UK Government they must do better for nature
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill has finished its passage through Parliament and will now become law. Since the UK Government introduced the Bill in March, we’ve been fighting to ensure the best outcome for nature. Thousands of you, our members and supporters, have stood with us and supported our campaign – thank you. Take further action now at www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/tell-the-uk-government-they-must-do-better-for-nature
Design a wildlife garden
With spring on the way why not think about making your space a place where nature thrives, with help from our new online guide. Planning and creating a wildlife friendly garden doesn’t have to be daunting. The work can be spread out over months or even years. Think of your garden as an ever evolving project, and don't put pressure on yourself to finish it all over one long weekend. Have a look at the wildlife gardening guide on the RSPB website.
Street names evoke nature as the real thing vanishes
A study of Ordnance Survey data has revealed a huge increase in the number of new road names inspired by bird species that have undergone shocking declines and continue to be pushed closer to the brink. In our analysis of OS Open Names data for Great Britain covering 2004 to 2024, we have found steep increases in the number of streets in new developments named after birds that are declining in the wild. Read more at www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/street-names-evoke-nature-as-the-real-thing-vanishes
Searching thousands of images to find evidence of Turtle Doves
Father and son volunteer team James and Reece Clissold are putting in the hours to help protect Turtle Doves. Working with the RSPB and local landowners, James and Reece set up trail cameras to see if areas are being visited by the UK's only migratory dove - a bird whose numbers have plummeted by almost 99% since the 1960s. Watch their short film at www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM6R56Xp05c
RSPB asks for evidence of burning on peatlands
The RSPB is asking people to report moorland burning on peatlands. The data collected will help tackle illegal and unsustainable burning. Peatlands account for 12% of the UK’s land area and contain more carbon than the forests of the UK, France, and Germany combined. 80% of our peatlands are in degraded condition, emitting rather than sequestering the carbon needed to help combat climate change, due to historic damaging land management practices, including repeated burning. Every year from October until April, upland vegetation is systematically burned to encourage the growth of young heather shoots and grass to provide food and grazing for red grouse, deer and livestock. However, scientific reviews show that regular burning environmentally damaging and has caused our peatlands to become a source of emissions. To report a burn anonymously, you can visit the RSPB Burning website or download the My Survey123 app (available on iOS and Android). By doing this you can play a vital role in protecting this globally important habitat.
Nine year old wins major wildlife photography award
She's 9 and already winning major wildlife photography awards. Meet the Eagle Eyed Girl Here.
Bird-food sales
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to sell bird food as we don't have any volunteers who are prepared to do it. If you would be willing to volunteer please contact Graham Mumby-Croft.
Secondhand Books
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer secondhand books for sale at our indoor meetings as we don't have any volunteers who are prepared to do it. If you would like to volunteer please contact Graham Mumby-Croft
Lincoln Cathedral's peregrinesIn 2025 the Peregrines at Lincoln Cathedral successfully hatched 4 eggs, the first on Easter Monday. The Group organised a watchpoint at the Cathedral at weekends in June and July and it is proposed that we do the same again in 2026. If you would like to help at the watchpoint please contact Gwen Randall Photo: One of Lincoln Cathedral's peregrines by Yvonne Allen. |
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Volunteering at Langford Lowfields
Do you have a passion for nature?
We're looking for volunteers to spend a few hours a week chatting to visitors here at our Langford Lowfields Nature Reserve. We are looking for volunteers for Thursday morning, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - half and full days available.
You'll be based at our lovely beach hut and be able to get involved with pond dipping and events.
Click here for more information.
Free coach travel for children on Sunday coach outings
You can book one free coach seat for a child under the age of 16 for each adult seat you book and pay for in advance - any admission charges will still apply, only the coach travel is free. We realise that it can be expensive for families to visit nature reserves so we are making this offer to encourage more people to bring children with them and encourage them to take an interest in birds, wildlife and our wonderful natural heritage.
Newsletters
The Group ceased producing paper copies of newsletters in 2024, all news is now on-line.only. Copies of all newsletters from the Group's formation in 1974 to the last one issued in 2014 are available on
Dropbox
You do not need a Dropbox account to view them.
To find out more about the RSPB click on the RSPB logo or visit www.rspb.org.uk