The Decline in Farmland Birds
According to the 2023 update of the DEFRA publication Wild Bird Populations in the UK, farmland bird numbers have seen a dramatic decline of 61% since 1970. Among the worst affected species are the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra), Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix), and Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur).
Why has there been such a drop in our farmland birds?
Factors include:
Lack of suitable nest sites due to practices like hedgerow removal in order to make larger fields, lack of hedgerow maintenance, lack of suitable field margins.
Pasture land being changed to arable land, resulting in a decrease in numbers of soil invertebrates for food
Increase in the use of insecticide and herbicide use, again having an impact on food availability for birds.
The change to more intensive farming practices.
Habitat loss due to construction
Bad weather
Disease
An increase in autumn sown crops rather than spring sown crops, leading to those crops having larger/taller growth in spring. This makes it harder for some species to nest.
Lack of food from winter until early spring, which is known as the hungry gap. This results in birds going in to their spring breeding season weak.
Schemes Avaliable to Farmers
To address this issue, the government offers the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which provides grants to farmers who manage their land in ways that support environmental conservation and sustainability. The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is part of the UK's broader efforts to enhance environmental sustainability in agriculture and protect natural habitats. It offers farmers and landowners financial support for maintaining, restoring, and improving the natural environment, including initiatives to promote biodiversity.
Another government initiative addressing this issue is the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). As a key pillar of the UK Government's Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, the SFI is designed to encourage and reward farmers for adopting environmentally sustainable practices. By focusing on measures such as improving soil health, reducing emissions, and enhancing biodiversity, the scheme allows farmers to contribute to environmental goals while continuing to maintain productive and efficient agricultural operations that support food security.
CAHL2 - Winter Bird Food - Option 1 Grey Partridge
The aim of this action is to "grow and flower during the spring and summer months" and "set seed to produce a supply of small seeds from late autumn to late winter." A Grey Partridge bird food mix featuring Spring Triticale and Kale offers a balanced, high-energy diet. The Triticale provides essential carbohydrates, while the Kale adds vital vitamins and minerals, supporting the bird’s health through breeding and colder months. This mix plays a key role in encouraging wildlife conservation for this declining species.
CAHL2 - Winter Bird Food - Option 2 Tree Sparrow
The aim of this action is to "grow and flower during the spring and summer months" and "set seed to produce a supply of small seeds from late autumn to late winter." A Tree Sparrow bird food mix containing Spring Barley and Fodder Radish is designed to provide a nutritious, high-energy diet. The Spring Barley offers essential carbohydrates, supporting the sparrow's energy needs, while the Fodder Radish provides key vitamins and minerals, enhancing the bird's overall health. This mix helps support wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for the declining Tree Sparrow population.
CAHL2 - Winter Bird Food - Option 3 Finches & Buntings
The aim of this action is to "grow and flower during the spring and summer months" and "set seed to produce a supply of small seeds from late autumn to late winter." A Finches & Buntings bird food mix containing Quinoa and White Mustard offers a nutritious blend for these vibrant species. Quinoa provides high-quality protein, while White Mustard offers essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and vitality. This mix helps attract and sustain finches and buntings, contributing to wildlife conservation and the thriving of these bird populations.
Providing food through the above scheme will help affected species thrive, particularly in winter, and enter the breeding season in better condition. This support aims to boost their survival rates and overall health, giving them a stronger foundation for the year ahead.
Worst affected Wild Birds
These species is protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Yellowhammer is a small bird, about 16 cm long from head to tail, easily recognised by its striking features. Males have a bright yellow head and breast, complemented by a brown and black back, while females display a striped yellow head and underside. Both sexes share the characteristic forked tail. Found in open countryside, the Yellowhammer can be spotted year-round, often perched on hedgerows, singing its distinctive song.
Yellow Hammer
Emberiza citrinella
The Turtle Dove is a small, elegant bird measuring 26-28 cm in length. It spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa and migrates to the UK for the summer, typically seen between April and September. This species breeds in woodlands and orchards, where it can often be heard delivering its soft, purring call. Sadly, the Turtle Dove's population has significantly declined in recent years, making it a symbol of conservation concern.
Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur
The Grey Partridge is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird commonly found on farmland and grasslands across England, as well as in the lowlands of Scotland and Wales. Measuring 29-32 cm in length, it is easily recognised by its distinctive orange face. This species nests on the ground, typically breeding in open farmland and scrub near hedgerows. Its diet consists of seeds, leaves, and insects, making it well-adapted to its agricultural habitats.
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdix
The Lapwing is a distinctive bird commonly found in lowland farmland, grassland, and wetland areas. Measuring 28-31 cm in length, it is easily recognised by its striking crest, white underside, and chestnut rump. Its diet mainly consists of worms and insects. Unfortunately, the Lapwing's population has declined by 50% since 1983. One contributing factor is the shift from spring-sown to autumn-sown crops, which has significantly reduced suitable nesting sites for this species.
Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
The Tree Sparrow, once a common sight, is now increasingly rare, found mainly on farmland, along hedgerows, and around woodland edges. Measuring around 14 cm in length, it is easily identified by its brown head, white cheeks and neck, each marked with a distinctive black spot, and its brown, striped back. This species feeds on a diet of seeds and insects. Tragically, the UK population of Tree Sparrows declined by a staggering 93% between 1970 and 2008.
Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
The Corn Bunting is a lowland farmland bird found year-round on open arable and mixed farmland. This stocky, streaky brown bird is fairly plain in appearance, measuring around 18 cm in length. It has a thick bill and feeds on a diet of seeds and insects. Known for its simple, jangling song often delivered from a fence post or wire, it is a familiar yet understated presence in its habitat. The UK population of Corn Buntings declined by a dramatic 89% between 1970 and 2003.
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandra