Antenna ground/earth/bonding...

Hi everyone,

I recently got my foundation license, and am just at the start of my learning journey, so please be gentle.

I have an SDRplay, and an X-50 on the side of my house, and really been enjoying myself. But it just occured to me, I haven't earthed my antenna/mast. Is an earth really required or is it just nice to have?

Here in the UK I don't ever recall seeing a TV aerial or satellite dish bonded to earth. It just doesn't seem to be a thing. I realise that with a direct lightning strike, there is really very little that can be done (at a domestic level) to prevent damage to equipment or property. As our TV aerials and dishes aren't earthed, why is it recommended for HAM antenna's?

What do you UK HAMs do as far as earthing arrangements?