Wildlife of Britain

Should Ring-Necked and Monk Parakeets Be Added to Britain's Quarry List? Understanding BASC's Proposal Few birds divide opinion in Britain quite like the bright green ring-necked parakeet.  To some people, they are charismatic additions to urban parks and gardens, bringing flashes of tropical colour to otherwise grey winter days.  To others, they represent an invasive species whose growing numbers threaten native wildlife, agriculture and infrastructure. That debate has intensified following an application by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) to add both ring-necked parakeets and monk parakeets to the official list of birds that can legally be hunted as quarry species.  If approved, the proposal would mark a significant change in how these non-native birds are managed in the UK. The issue raises difficult questions about conservation, animal welfare and what it means to protect biodiversity in an increasingly human-altered landscape. While opini...

Urban Wildlife Behaviour Explained: How Animals Adapt to City Life Cities are often seen as purely human environments—but in reality, they are also complex ecosystems.  In places like London, wildlife has not disappeared. Instead, species have adapted their behaviour to survive alongside people. From foxes in gardens to pigeons on rooftops, urban animals are reshaping what it means to live in the 'wild'. What is urban wildlife? Urban wildlife refers to animals that live in or regularly use cities as part of their habitat.  These species have adapted to man-made environments such as roads, buildings, parks, and underground systems. Common urban species in the UK include: • Red fox • Rock pigeon • Brown rat • Hedgehogs • Various bird species These animals are not visitors—they are permanent residents of the urban ecosystem. Behavioural adaptation: learning to live with humans One of the most important changes in urban wildlife is behavioural adaptation. Animals in cities learn t...

How Pigeons Navigate Cities: The Hidden Science Behind Urban Navigation Pigeons are everywhere—from busy streets to towering rooftops—but have you ever wondered how they navigate complex cities with such precision? Despite the chaos of urban environments, the Rock pigeon can find its way home across miles of unfamiliar terrain.  Scientists have been studying this remarkable ability for decades—and the answers are more fascinating than you might expect. What makes pigeons such expert navigators? Pigeons aren’t just guessing their way around. They rely on a combination of biological tools and environmental cues to navigate. This ability is known as homing behaviour—the instinct that allows animals to return to a specific location after travelling long distances. 1. Earth’s magnetic field (built-in compass) One of the most surprising tools pigeons use is the Earth’s magnetic field. This is linked to a process called Magnetoreception, which allows certain animals to sense direction usi...

Animals Secretly Living in London: The Hidden Wildlife of a Modern City When most people think of London, they imagine traffic, skyscrapers, and crowded Underground stations.  But beneath the noise and concrete lies a thriving ecosystem of wildlife that has quietly adapted to urban life. From nocturnal hunters in suburban gardens to birds nesting on historic landmarks, London is far more “wild” than it appears. 1. Urban foxes: London’s most famous secret residents One of the most iconic urban animals is the Red fox. Foxes first moved into British cities in large numbers during the 20th century, adapting remarkably well to urban environments. Where they live : Gardens and allotments Railway embankments Under sheds and quiet green spaces Why they thrive : Abundant food (rubbish, rodents, scraps) Fewer natural predators Quiet night-time city streets Foxes are now so well adapted that many Londoners regularly hear them barking at night in residential areas. 2. Pigeons: the ultimate cit...