Turtle Dove and Farmland Bird Decline

Farmland birds including the turtle dove have experienced catastrophic declines due to agricultural intensification, representing one of the largest wildlife welfare crises in Europe.

Key Facts

UK turtle dove populations have declined by 98% since 1970
Farmland bird populations in Europe have declined by over 50% since 1980
Intensification has removed weeds, hedgerows, and insects that farmland birds depend on
Agri-environment schemes pay farmers for wildlife-friendly management but uptake is inconsistent
The turtle dove is now locally extinct in many areas where it was once common

Welfare Considerations

The decline of farmland birds represents a welfare crisis not captured in individual animal terms — there are simply far fewer individuals alive to suffer or thrive. The transformation of agricultural landscapes from diverse, wildlife-rich habitats to simplified monocultures has removed the ecological foundation that supported billions of birds across generations. Reversing this decline requires systemic agricultural change that prioritizes biodiversity alongside food production.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment scheme funding and uptake
Plant hedgerows and leave field margins unsprayed to benefit farmland birds
Donate to farmland bird conservation organizations
Advocate for agricultural policy that rewards biodiversity outcomes
Support organic farming as a system that typically benefits farmland bird populations