Rebecca Armstrong departs Birdwatch

After 14 years at Birdwatch, Editor Rebecca Armstrong this week leaves the team for pastures new.

Rebecca's hard work, dedication and meticulousness has helped to shape and evolve Birdwatch into the magazine it is today. But, with a heavy heart, she has decided that the time has come for a new challenge.

Rebecca said: "After almost 15 years I'm going to be leaving Birdwatch. It wasn't an easy decision, but a job came up with Cycling UK, a charity promoting cycling and active travel, which are two things very close to my heart.

"I have very much enjoyed my time at Birdwatch. I am proud of what I've achieved with the magazine and I've learnt a lot along the way. It's been good to meet so many of our readers and contributors at various Birdfairs and other events over the years – and maybe I'll see a few more of you this year's Global Birdfair.

"I know from following your #LocalBigYear efforts that getting around by bike or walking are important to many of you and I'm looking forward to helping to promote them both and to continuing to combine my interests of birding and biking. Maybe I'll see some you out in the field!"

Rebecca Armstrong (second from left) birding in Slovakia in May 2016.

With Rebecca's departure, Josh Jones will take on the role of Editor at Birdwatch, with Ed Stubbs stepping up to the role of Deputy Editor. Josh said: "It has been a true pleasure to work with Rebecca over the past eight years and watch the magazine flourish under her leadership.

"It's not lost on me that I have rather large boots to fill following her departure, but both myself and colleague Ed are nonetheless excited to be able to continue her good work into the future and ensure that Birdwatch remains a must-read every month.

"I think I speak for all of the team in thanking Rebecca for everything she's done and that we wish her well with the new venture – but that we'll miss her very much!"