Re the declining numbers of birds that we are seeing (or not seeing) in our gardens, I believe that a significant contributing factor is the lack of garden hedges (Starlings fall to record low in UK’s 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch, 11 April). Your report states that starlings like short grass so that they can watch out for predators, but smaller birds need hedging to retreat to for eating the food that they find in lawns and bird feeders.
Unfortunately, most new housing seems to be built without hedging and, certainly where I live, many people have grubbed out their hedges and replaced them with timber fencing – OK for perching on, but not for providing protection.
Geoff Bunce
Harpenden, Hertfordshire
• I was very sad to read that starlings are declining. I get 50 or 60 each day in my west London suburban garden. They are delightful to watch, especially when the babies come along.
I put dried mealworms out for them, and always have fresh water nearby. I also never use pesticides and just happen to have a fairly short lawn (something I didn’t realise they like until I read your article). It would be such a shame if these joy-giving birds were to decline any further.
Lesley Barnes
Greenford, London
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