Rare bird resurfaces after 140 years of absence in Herefordshire

In a remarkable event for conservation efforts in the United Kingdom, a pair of hawfinches, a rare species of woodland birds, were identified breeding in Herefordshire. This discovery marks the first sighting of these birds breeding in the area in over 140 years. The finding occurred during surveys conducted by the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT) at various Local Wildlife Sites. This sighting has suggested that there may be a previously unknown colony existing in Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches, where hawfinches, known for nesting in groups, might thrive. In addition to the hawfinches, surveyors discovered several pairs of tree sparrows nesting on a farm in northwest Herefordshire. This represents a significant development as it is the first breeding record for tree sparrows in nine years. Although tree sparrows are generally more common than hawfinches, they have experienced drastic population declines, losing approximately 98 percent of their numbers since the 1960s due to factors such as Dutch elm disease and modern agricultural practices that degrade their habitats. The HWT's discoveries also extended to the identification of an ancient temperate rainforest fragment at the same location as the tree sparrow nests. These climate-critical woodlands are exceedingly rare, with less than one percent surviving of what was once prevalent along Britain's west coast. The findings from these surveys underscore the ecological importance of Local Wildlife Sites, as they contain unique habitats crucial to the diversity of local wildlife. Project Officer Toby Fountain of HWT has emphasized the positive implications of these findings for future conservation efforts. He expressed hope that the exciting discoveries will foster long-term collaborations between private landowners and the wildlife trust, a step forward for ecological conservation in Herefordshire. The overall results of the survey highlight the critical need for ongoing wildlife surveys and partnerships in protecting rare species and their habitats across the nation.