Dartford warbler stages a comeback 60 years after almost vanishing
The Dartford warbler, a bird that nearly became extinct in England during the 1960s, is experiencing a significant resurgence. A recent survey conducted by the RSPB indicates a 44% increase in their population on nature reserves, with 264 pairs recorded in 2025. This recovery is attributed to dedicated conservation efforts aimed at restoring their heathland habitat.
- ▪The Dartford warbler population has increased by 44% in five years on RSPB reserves.
- ▪In 2025, 264 pairs of Dartford warblers were counted, the highest number ever recorded.
- ▪The species relies on dense gorse in mature heathland for food and shelter.
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Dartford warblers rely on dense gorse in areas of mature heathland for food and shelter. Photograph: Les Cater/RSPB ImagesView image in fullscreenDartford warblers rely on dense gorse in areas of mature heathland for food and shelter. Photograph: Les Cater/RSPB ImagesBirdsDartford warbler stages a comeback 60 years after almost vanishing Survey shows 44% increase on RSPB reserves of bird that almost became extinct in England in the 60sSteven Morris Fri 29 May 2026 13.32 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 13.33 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore than half a century after the Dartford warbler almost vanished from the English countryside, the charismatic heathland bird appears to be staging a comeback.A survey has revealed the highest number of Dartford warblers ever recorded on…
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