They noted long-term declines in the numbers spotted during the RSPB’s long-running Big Garden Birdwatch citizen science scheme.

Average starling counts per garden fell to a record low for the second year in a row, dropping by another 3% in this year’s birdwatch.

According to the RSPB, starling numbers recorded in the survey have plunged by 85.1% since the scheme began in 1979.

Greenfinches saw a modest 2.3% rise in average counts this year, but the charity said their numbers remain around two-thirds down on 1979 levels.

RSPB scientists warned that these songbirds are among the species vulnerable to diseases that can spread at bird feeders, and are urging households to reconsider when they feed birds, how they do it and what food they put out.

Beccy Speight, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds’ long-term health.”

This year, more than 650,000 people took part in the birdwatch, which involves spending an hour counting birds in a garden or local green space during the last weekend in January.

The results can help conservationists gauge how the country’s bird life is faring.

The house sparrow held on to the top spot and the blue tit remained at number two again this year, followed by starling in third, woodpigeon in fourth and blackbird in fifth.

While starlings jumped from fourth to third place for the most commonly spotted species in 2026, it was largely because fewer woodpigeons were reported compared to last year, the RSPB said.

The charismatic birds are found across the UK, with numbers swelling during winter when more of the species arrive from northern Europe, and can be seen in huge numbers performing aerial displays known as “murmurations”.

Before the year 2000, starlings were regularly the most numerous species recorded in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

However, they are now “red-listed” because of concerns over their falling population.

What is causing the decline of birds?

The RSPB said there is a lack of evidence behind what might be driving the decline although a fall in chicks’ survival rates over their first winter could be contributing.

Greenfinches have seen their population particularly devastated by the disease trichomonosis, which spreads more easily when birds gather around feeders in summer and autumn.

The songbird is also on the conservation “red list”, with other UK-wide surveys indicating a loss of more than two million birds since the mid-1990s.

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Ms Speight said: “Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value, but the science shows us that birds such as greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders.

“By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature.”

What’s your favourite type of bird in the UK? Let us know in the comments

The popular documentary first landed on screens back in 2021, showcasing Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire.

With four series now to date and a fifth expected to be released next month, demand for the farming programme is high among fans.

Diddly Squat is the core focus of the show, with farmhand Kaleb Cooper and Mr Clarkson’s girlfriend Lisa Hogan, among the faces featured throughout its run.

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Mr Clarkson’s acquisition of The Windmill pub in Asthall, now renamed The Farmer’s Dog following its 2024 opening, also featured in the most recent season.

Now, according to The Sun, show producer Andy Wilman has confirmed that series five should be out in “just a few weeks” and a Christmas special could be on the cards.

The 63-year-old went to school with Mr Clarkson and worked with him on Top Gear and The Grand Tour.

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Speaking on the Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, Mr Wilman said: “There’s a scene in the pub which happens at Christmas time, and there isn’t a lot of farming going on, and it’s a little bit Vicar of Dibley Christmas special-ish as the stories are there.

“Jeremy wants to make a Santa’s grotto so he has a meeting with Charlie talking about what he wants to do and I think that is the best scene I’ve ever, ever seen them do and I remember the editor and I looking at each other saying ‘this is the best television to make ever’ when it goes out you’ll see what I mean.

“Then Kaleb and Jeremy build the grotto together, and Kaleb’s view on the creation of mankind is blindingly brilliant.”

The woman from Didcot was one of 13 arrested on Tuesday morning, April 7 at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

Lakenheath Alliance For Peace protesters were at the site that morning continuing to demonstrate against the base being used by the US military for its war with Iran.

Suffolk Police has now confirmed seven of the 13 people arrested have been charged.

It includes Marie Walsh, 69, of Warner Crescent in Didcot who has been charged with locking on to the blue VW Passat.

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In addition, Virginia Herbert, 78 and of Cholsey near Wallingford has also been charged with attempted locking on.

Both Oxfordshire women were bailed to appear before Ipswich Magistrates on June 12.

Suffolk Police’s spokesman said officers arrived at the base soon after 6am following reports of protesters locking themselves to their own vehicles outside the main gate and gathering at two other entrances.

He said the protest caused disruption to motorists with some of the surrounding roads closed to help officers assist with traffic management.

He added: “Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.

“As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.”