Experts urge Brits to fit bell collars on cats as garden birds face alarming population drops with the National Go Birding Day concept highlighting conservation concerns
As UK bird populations continue to rapidly decline, cat owners are being urged to make one simple change to help protect vulnerable garden species. Fitting your feline friend with a bell collar could drastically reduce the number of birds they hunt, according to new expert advice.
Recent figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reveal wild bird numbers in the UK have plummeted by 16% since 1970, with farmland birds facing the steepest drop at a shocking 61%. The turtle dove has suffered one of the most dramatic declines, falling by 54% in just five years.
Ahead of National Go Birding Day, experts from AussieBoots are calling for action as habitat loss, food scarcity, and land use changes continue to endanger Britain’s birdlife. Pete Bryden from AussieBoots said: “These figures are a stark wake-up call. Birds are often one of the first indicators of an ecosystem in distress, and right now, they’re telling us something’s seriously wrong.”
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Domestic cats are increasingly being recognised as a major threat to garden birds, particularly fledglings and ground-feeding species. Pete added: “Fitting your cat with a bell collar is a simple but incredibly effective way to reduce the number of birds they catch. Small actions like this really do add up.”
The advice is particularly relevant to cat-owning households with garden access, where birds frequently visit for food, water, and nesting. A bell alerts birds to a cat’s presence, giving them time to escape before it’s too late.
Other suggestions to help local bird populations include creating a bird-friendly garden by planting native shrubs and trees. Leaving out clean water and a mix of seeds, suet, and mealworms can also provide vital support year-round.
Pete also warns against the use of harmful chemicals in gardens, urging the public to switch to organic or bird-safe alternatives. “Pesticides can contaminate food sources and poison birds indirectly,” he said.
While feeding birds in winter is widely encouraged, Pete reminds people that spring and summer are just as important. “Birds raising chicks need consistent food sources,” he explained. “Keep feeders topped up and always clean.”
The decline of species like the turtle dove underlines the urgent need for local conservation support. Pete encourages people to get involved with organisations like the RSPB or local wildlife trusts to protect habitats and support breeding programmes.
“National Go Birding Day shouldn’t just be a celebration, it’s a call to action,” Pete said. “We all have a part to play in preserving our feathered friends for future generations.”
With a few simple steps, households can turn their gardens into safe havens and ensure the dawn chorus isn’t silenced forever.