BIRDSONG has returned to many parts of Lancashire as conservationists confirm that birds and other wildlife have benefited from the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

The lack of air and noise pollution has opened more spaces for birds in the sky and for some species to return to urban areas, while cleaner rivers have seen kingfishers return to the water.

While conservationists are determined not to minimise the human tragedy caused by the virus, they still hope that lessons will be learned from the knock-on effect that responding to the crisis has had on the environment.

Campaigns Manager at the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Alan Wright said: “Well if you listen to the sound of the dawn chorus this week, wildlife doesn’t seem to be missing us at all.”

He added: “There are two factors involved here, we believe.

“The lack of noise pollution from fewer vehicles being on the road is definitely opening up gaps for our wild birds to really let rip this year, as they are looking for love on their patch and people have time to notice wild sights and sounds.

“Blackbirds, robins, great tis and wrens seem extra loud.”

Mr Wright has also suggested that the reduction of noise from traffic and human activity has meant that people have been able to hear and appreciate bird song in a way they could not have before.

He said: “The songs of thrush and robin are filling the early mornings with sound.

“In some cases, it might just be that we are noticing the birdsong more as the noise from vehicles and general hubbub has turned down its volume.

“I certainly think that many people go through their lives without noticing some of the wonderful noises and the creatures making those noises around them.”

Birds have similarly benefited from the recent lack of litter in both urban and rural areas.

Mr Wright and other conservationists hope that lessons will be learned about how better to protect the environment when life eventually returns to normal.

He said: “I really hope we are learning from this crisis. Many lives have been lost as the virus has spread but I am sure the health measures have helped to save many thousands of people.

“And we shouldn’t be afraid to mention this knock-on effect on that is benefitting our wildlife.

“Let’s hope we can look at this and improve the way we live in the future in a way that supports nature.”