A positive uptick \u2013 with a long way to go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Surveyors visited campuses twice, once in late autumn and again in mid\u2011winter, recording birds across a range of habitats including woodland edges, ponds, hedgerows and open green space. This year\u2019s total is the third highest winter count in the past ten years<\/strong>, which is encouraging given the national decline of many bird species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, bird numbers still sit at around 80% of early\u20112000s levels<\/strong>, showing that recovery remains fragile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some familiar faces dominated the counts once again. The Wood Pigeon<\/strong> topped the list, followed closely by Robins<\/strong>, Blue Tits<\/strong>, Herring Gulls<\/strong>, and Carrion Crows<\/strong>. These adaptable species thrive in mixed urban environments, and Exeter\u2019s campuses clearly suit them well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One striking finding is how many birds fall into conservation priority categories. Nearly four out of every ten species recorded were Red or Amber listed<\/strong>, meaning their populations are under pressure nationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Species like House Sparrows<\/strong>, Song Thrushes<\/strong>, Bullfinches<\/strong>, and Redwings<\/strong> were all recorded, reinforcing how important urban green spaces can be as winter refuges when food and shelter are scarce elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was good news for fans of smaller birds too. The European Wren<\/strong>, an amber\u2011listed species vulnerable to harsh winters, showed a stable and healthy population<\/strong> on Streatham Campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, winter visitors such as Redwings<\/strong>, which migrate from Scandinavia and Siberia, were again spotted taking advantage of Exeter\u2019s mild climate and berry\u2011rich hedgerows \u2013 a seasonal reminder that our campuses are part of a much bigger ecological network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At St Luke\u2019s Campus<\/strong>, surveyors recorded 243 birds from 20 species<\/strong>, exceeding the campus\u2019s baseline average. For a relatively compact urban site, this highlights just how valuable smaller green spaces can be when they\u2019re well managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a time when wildlife faces growing pressure from climate change, habitat loss and urban development, these findings show that everyday places like university campuses can still offer vital support for nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So next time you hear a robin singing near your office or spot a flock overhead on your way to a lecture, remember \u2013 those sightings are part of a bigger, hopeful picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve spotted more birds around campus this winter, you weren\u2019t imagining it! The University of Exeter Winter Bird Survey 2025\/26 has recorded a welcome […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3077,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe usual stars of campus life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Birds of conservation concern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrens and winter visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/buddingnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/303\/2026\/04\/wren-pic-bird-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/buddingnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/303\/2026\/04\/redwing-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSmall campuses, big impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why it matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"