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It makes a pleasant change to read some good news about wildlife and birds, more specifically. The RSPB have reported that the number of singing male Nightingales has reached their second record high across their nature reserves. According to their recent press report, they recorded 176 in 2025, a 7% increase from 2024 when 164 singing males were counted. Although the numbers aren’t high, they are significant, especially given that much of the news about nature in general highlights declines.

It is thought that the creation of habitats that attract the species whose population numbers have suffered from long-term declines is the main reason for the increase in numbers.

Suitable habitat is vital, given that Nightingales are summer visitors from Africa who migrate to breed in the UK starting in mid-April. Known for its beautiful song, the Nightingale has inspired musicians and writers throughout history and was the first ever wildlife to be broadcast on UK radio. Males sing at night until they are paired up. When they have their famous song is then limited to dusk and dawn.

Despite the birds’ popularity and the efforts being put in to create suitable habitats for them, the species is currently on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern, due to the UK breeding population dropping by 34% between 1995 and 2024.

Unfortunately, for those of us who live in northern and western England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, Nightingales are only found in southern and eastern England. They look for thick vegetation within woodland and scrub, which they require for shelter, nesting and in which to find food. The loss of this somewhat specific but nonetheless vital habitat has contributed to their decline in the UK. They are also known to be very site faithful, returning to the exact same place to nest every year, which makes the protection of scrub land of vital importance.

Alan Johnson, RSPB England Area Manager, said: “It is fantastic to see Nightingale numbers increasing on RSPB nature reserves thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers to create safe havens for this incredible migratory species. The growing numbers show effective conservation action and a great example that nature can thrive when given a chance.”

He continues, “Scrub might not be the most charismatic habitat, but it plays a crucial role in supporting Nightingale and other species such as Turtle Dove and Willow Warbler. Restoring and managing these habitats is vital for species recovery.”

The importance of the habitat used by Nightingales has also been highlighted in Kent, where the RSPB has warned that a proposal for 450 new homes beside a site of special scientific interest could damage one of the country’s most important nightingale habitats. Similarly, in Gloucestershire, the charity has warned that plans for a new 2,000-home town could devastate the local population. In this case, it would seem that it is not only the damage to the habitat but also the threat posed by the new homeowners’ domestic cats. Known for the significant damage caused to willdbird populations, the impact a large number of cats can have on a fragile species like the nightingale could be significant if the development is allowed to go ahead.

So it would seem that despite the 7% rise in numbers, the fight to keep this melodious bird returning to our shores continues. They may not be visitors to our gardens, but for those lucky enough to live in the areas where they return to, their song is more than enough motivation to want to save this otherwise rather plain brown bird.