Bird feeding update
In the previous issue of The RSPB Magazine, we promised to keep you up to date with our research into garden bird feeding and bird health. While the research is ongoing, we’ve paused the sale of our bird tables and other feeders that have flat surfaces, as these have the potential for harbouring infectious diseases. We will provide a further update in the next issue.
Greenfinch. Photo: Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)
Sumatran stork sensation
An endangered juvenile Storm’s Stork, possibly the world’s rarest species of stork, was among the exciting sightings made during a two-part survey of Hutan Harapan Rainforest in Sumatra, conducted in 2023 and 2024. The RSPB, with BirdLife International and local partner Burung Indonesia, works with partners to protect Hutan Harapan, one of few surviving dry lowland rainforests on the island.
Read more about the RSPB’s work protecting nature around the world.
Juvenile Storm’s Stork from Harapan. Photo: Fadlurrahman – PT REKI
Active in nature
Cameron’s Cottage, our activity centre in the New Forest, has helped more than 2,000 young people connect to nature since opening in 2024. Funded by the Cameron Bespolka Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund, the centre offers 14–25-year-olds opportunities to learn new green skills and create lasting memories. Book your residential stay or day visit.
An ecology student carrying out freshwater biology research at Cameron’s Cottage. Photo: Anneka Schofield (rspb-images.com)
The RSPB stars in The Outrun
Hit British film The Outrun was nominated for two BAFTAs, bringing the beauty of RSPB nature reserves to an even wider audience. Adapted from Amy Liptrot’s memoir, the film shows the protagonist, played by Saoirse Ronan, surveying Corncrakes for the RSPB in Orkney, as well as scenes filmed at nature reserves including RSPB North Hill on Papa Westray. The film is available to stream on Netflix.
Corncrakes. Photo: Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)
Leighton Moss hide renewed
The much-loved but creaking Lower Hide at RSPB Leighton Moss has been replaced, thanks in large part to a generous philanthropic gift that funded two-thirds of the cost. The wonderful new hide features upgrades such as an entrance ramp for improved access, bigger windows and an outdoor veranda, plus intimate sightings of the Lancashire nature reserve’s pools and wildlife.
RSPB co-founder honoured
A new blue plaque in Westerham, Kent, honours Catherine Victoria Hall, co-founder of a precursor organisation to the RSPB. In 1889, alongside three other women, Hall established the group dubbed Fur, Fin and Feather Folk, which two years later merged with Manchester’s Plumage League to form the Society for the Protection of Birds.
