Help UK Blackbirds Stay Safe and Strong
Why Blackbirds and British Wildlife Need Us Now
Britain’s wildlife is in trouble — and not just in remote forests or windswept coastlines. It’s happening in our gardens, parks, and towns. One of the most familiar and cherished birds, the blackbird, is now facing a real and present threat. But this isn’t just about one species — it’s a warning for all of nature in the UK.
The Warning Signs We Can’t Ignore
Across the country, blackbirds are going quiet. In London especially, fewer of their rich, fluting calls are being heard. This isn’t just seasonal fluctuation — it’s tied to something far more serious: the spread of Usutu virus and the broader pressures our wildlife faces due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
Fragile Ecosystems, Fragile Balance
Our ecosystems are intricately connected. When one species suffers, others follow. Blackbirds aren’t just songbirds — they’re part of the natural pest control system, part of the food web, and part of our cultural identity. Their decline is a sign that something is fundamentally off balance.
The Power of Proactive Preservation
Reactive conservation is often too little, too late. Instead, we need to focus on proactive preservation — taking action before things reach crisis point. From keeping bird feeders clean to eliminating mosquito-breeding spots in our gardens, small actions taken early can prevent larger disasters later.
Your Role in Nature’s Future
You don’t need a biology degree or acres of land to make a difference. Whether it’s participating in the BTO’s blackbird survey, sharing awareness with your community, or simply keeping your garden wildlife-friendly — your actions matter. In fact, they’re essential.
Nature’s Warning: A Moment We Can’t Afford to Miss
“Now is the time for everyone in the UK to do their part for our diminishing wildlife numbers. If we do not openly discuss the troubles our fragile ecosystems face, and awareness is not adequately raised and swiftly acted upon, it will come to pass that the peace, harmony, and balance that nature brings to the British Isles will surpass a pivotal moment that may be beyond our ability to reverse. Without focused efforts of proactive preservation before the need for reactive conservation arises, we will always be five steps behind any realistically set goals and our abilities to achieve them.”
Mark – Willow Park Seeds
A curious blackbird locks eyes with the lens — a quiet reminder of the wild beauty still thriving in our gardens.
Blackbirds in Trouble: The Subtle Silence Creeping into Our Gardens
In the quiet pauses of early morning, the flute-like notes of a Blackbird once filled the air of British gardens — a familiar, comforting soundtrack to city strolls and countryside dawns alike. But lately, a hush has begun to settle over parts of the UK, particularly in London, where fewer of these iconic birds are being heard. And scientists believe a new virus may be to blame.
The Usutu Virus: A New Threat with a Familiar Buzz
Since 2020, the emergence of the Usutu virus has raised alarm bells for conservationists. This mosquito-borne disease, originally identified in South Africa and already widespread in mainland Europe, was first detected in the UK in London. Its arrival has coincided with a sharp drop in Blackbird numbers across Greater London and the wider southeast.
While the virus poses little threat to humans (and is often asymptomatic even when contracted), it can be fatal to Blackbirds. Scientists from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) believe its spread could be one of the key drivers behind recent population declines.
Climate change is playing a silent but significant role here, as warmer temperatures help native UK mosquitoes thrive — and in turn, transmit Usutu to birds more efficiently. This is the first time in modern British history that a mosquito-borne zoonotic virus has established itself in native wildlife.
A blackbird forages among the garden greenery — a familiar sight that’s becoming less common in some parts of the UK.
A Nation of Gardeners Called to Action
In response, the BTO launched the Blackbirds in Gardens survey, a long-term citizen science project aimed at tracking the health and behaviour of these birds across varying levels of urbanisation — from the heart of cities to the most rural corners of the country.
Initial results from 2024 point to a clear pattern: Blackbirds are faring far better in northern regions, particularly in northwest England, while their numbers continue to shrink in the south. But to truly understand what’s happening — and why — researchers need the help of everyday garden owners.
If you’ve got a garden, your observations could be vital. The survey is now open again for 2025, and whether you live in a leafy suburb or a city centre flat with a small patch of green, your participation matters.
Nestled among the leaf litter, a blackbird searches the forest floor — a quiet steward of the woodland understorey.
As Dr Arran Folly of the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency put it, “Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases are expected to grow in the UK, especially as temperatures rise… The insights from the BTO’s survey will be essential for understanding how this virus might be impacting Blackbird populations.”
What Can You Do Right Now?
Put out food: Mealworms, suet, ground seed mixes, and fruit are ideal. Place them on low bird tables or directly on the ground — Blackbirds are ground feeders by nature.
Provide water: Especially important in dry weather, a shallow dish of water can be a literal lifeline.
Plant smart: Native shrubs that host caterpillars or produce berries will give birds a natural, sustainable food source.
Observe and report: Keep a diary of sightings — or lack thereof. If something seems unusual, you could be the first to notice a local trend.
Every Bird Counts
With an estimated six million breeding pairs across the UK, Blackbirds remain one of our most common and cherished species. But history has shown that even familiar creatures can fade into silence if we’re not paying attention.
The slow disappearance of birdsong in cities like London is more than a seasonal shift — it’s a warning sign. And in this case, your garden could be both a haven and a hub of vital data.
So next time you hear the sweet, spiralling call of a Blackbird — pause, listen, and take note. It might just be more precious than you think.
Simple Steps, Big Impact: How You Can Help Blackbirds Stay Safe and Strong
You don’t need to be a wildlife expert to make a real difference in the lives of blackbirds. In fact, the smallest actions in your own back garden can help protect one of the UK’s most beloved birds from a rising threat — the Usutu virus.
Usutu, a mosquito-borne disease that’s recently taken hold in parts of southern England, can be fatal to blackbirds. And while scientists are working to better understand how it spreads, there’s plenty that garden owners and bird lovers can do right now to help slow its advance.
Here’s how you can turn your outdoor space into a safe haven for blackbirds:
With a beak full of insects, a devoted blackbird prepares to feed its hungry chicks — a glimpse into the tireless work of parenthood in the wild.
1. Fight the Bite: Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes love still water. By removing unnecessary water sources in your garden, you can help stop them from breeding right outside your door. Here’s how:
Tip up your wheelbarrow when it’s not in use to avoid it becoming a mosquito nursery.
Store plant saucers somewhere dry if they’re not actively needed.
Check your gutters — blockages can create puddles perfect for mosquito larvae.
Cover your water butts — not only does it stop mosquitoes, it also prevents accidental wildlife drownings.
2. Keep it Clean: Hygiene for Bird Health
Feeding the birds? That’s wonderful — but don’t forget that with great bird tables come great responsibilities. Dirty feeders and baths can quickly become hotspots for disease.
Wash out bird baths at least once a week and refill with fresh tap water.
Disinfect feeders weekly to prevent the build-up of bacteria, old food, and droppings.
Sweep underneath feeders regularly to remove any mouldy seed or waste that can make birds sick.
Good hygiene not only helps slow the spread of Usutu virus, but also protects against other bird illnesses like trichomonosis, which has severely impacted finch populations in recent years.
3. Stay Alert: Report Anything Unusual
If you spot a blackbird acting strangely — showing signs like weakness, wobbling, or loss of coordination — or if you find a dead one in your garden, don’t ignore it.
Report your sightings to Garden Wildlife Health, a national project monitoring wildlife disease.
If you need to handle a deceased bird or feathers, wear gloves or a plastic bag over your hand, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
You might not be a scientist, but your vigilance could help track the virus’s spread and save future bird populations.
4. Join the Movement: Take Part in the Blackbird Survey
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is inviting garden owners across the UK to take part in their Blackbirds in Gardens survey, running from May to October. By simply noting how many blackbirds visit your garden — and when — you’re contributing to real science.
It’s easy, it’s meaningful, and it helps experts understand how the virus is affecting bird numbers, especially in urban versus rural settings.
You can sign up and find out more here: BTO Blackbird Survey
Your Garden, Their Sanctuary
Blackbirds are one of the UK’s most loved garden visitors. Their rich, melodic song is part of what makes our mornings feel alive. But now they need our help — and every garden counts.
So whether it’s tipping out a water-filled flower pot, scrubbing your birdbath, or logging sightings online, know this: your small actions add up to something far bigger. They help protect a species, preserve a soundscape, and keep our connection with nature singing strong.
