Protected birds earn reprieve after sudden U-turn

The Government has dropped a controversial scheme allowing buzzards to be taken into captivity and their nests destroyed to protect pheasant shoots.

From the end of this week, Britain's minister for wildlife is sending men to destroy the nests of wild buzzards by blasting them with shotguns.

Game shooting – the blasting of large numbers of pheasants and other birds out of the sky for enjoyment – has so far escaped the widespread opprobrium attached to fox hunting, largely because it takes place out of the public gaze. But that may be about to change.

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Three newly hatched peregrine falcon chicks have been stolen from their nest on top of a building in Kingston.

A vulnerable species of monkey has added a new member to its brood at a zoo.

Crisis warning with global consumption of natural resources at record levels. By Michael McCarthy

Landmark study shows numbers have fallen by third since 1970s

The planning system is failing to protect England's wildlife and natural areas, many of which are facing major declines, a report has warned.

A pygmy hippo named in honour of Prince Harry has died after surgery to repair an umbilical hernia.

Polar bears Walker and Arktos have been spotted sleeping "nose to nose" since they officially moved in together at a wildlife park.

High winds and driving rain have continued to batter Britain with the south suffering the worst of the April washout today.

Much of England and Wales will get a further soaking today, with strong winds and heavy downpours expected to hit tonight.