Following a visit to RSPB Conwy and learning of about the success of this year’s RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, has taken the opportunity to thank our local reserve and residents for participating. During the site visit to RSPB Conwy, Janet also met with Helen Jowett (Site Manager) and Julian Hughes (Head of Species) to discuss policy issues around peatland restoration, marine renewables, and curlews.
The annual birdwatching event took place on a weekend earlier this year. It's the world's largest bird survey and has run every year since 1979. In fact, the 2021 event was the biggest ever, with over one million people taking part and sharing in the excitement. The birds that were top of the flocks in this year’s Birdwatch were:
1. House sparrow
2. Blue tit
3. Starling
4. Blackbird
5. Woodpigeon
6. Robin
7. Great tit
8. Goldfinch
9. Magpie
10. Long-tailed tit
Commenting on the findings of the great birdwatching event, Janet said:
“My thanks go to RSPB Conwy and all residents who helped count more than 17 million birds. It was fantastic to visit such a wonderful location, which excellently provides local residents and visitors with a tranquil place to continue spotting such creatures beyond the annual event.
“Whilst house sparrows have retained the top position for the 18th year running, there were some worrying findings such as the continued fall in the numbers of greenfinches and chaffinches. Sadly, over the last 50 years, 40 million birds have vanished from the UK’s skies.
“Earlier this summer, the Welsh Parliament declared a nature emergency. I am clear that we should now work to ensure that the announcement of a crisis results in tangible actions which reverse the now long term decline in the number of birds."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS with Helen Jowett (Site Manager) and Julian Hughes (Head of Species)
