Did you know that today (Monday 5 January) marks National Bird Day?
This annual awareness day shines a spotlight on the vital role birds play in our ecosystems and highlights the need to protect their habitats. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty, diversity and significance of birdlife and to encourage ongoing conservation efforts to help protect birds for generations to come.
The message couldn’t be more timely. Bird populations in the UK are under threat, with worrying declines across many species. Between 2015 and 2020, nearly half (48%) of UK bird species saw a decrease in numbers. The total estimated breeding population has dropped from 232 million in 1970 to around 159 million today.
But it’s not all bad news. Some species have made remarkable recoveries. For example, the Buzzard population soared by 838% between 1967 and 2020, and Sparrowhawks have seen a 77% increase since 1975.
If birds and wildlife conservation are areas you’re passionate about, you’ll find much to explore at Hadlow College. Our purpose-built Animal Management Unit is one of the UK’s top educational animal collections, home to hundreds of animals representing more than 100 different species, including a variety of birds.
Students studying Animal Management at Hadlow benefit from a combination of theoretical knowledge, including anatomy, physiology and ecology, and hands-on experience with real animals.
You’ll be actively involved in all aspects of care, from enclosure design and habitat maintenance to feeding, health checks and enrichment activities. The setup mimics a professional animal collection, offering valuable insight into real-world careers in animal care and conservation.
To learn more, visit the Animal Management subject page on the Hadlow College website.