Over recent decades, many once common birds found on farmland have undergone massive declines. Many of these declines are linked to changes in agricultural practice as Government and European policies have encouraged intensive food production. Species such as lapwing, grey partridge and corn bunting have all become far less numerous in the countryside.
To find out how farmland birds are faring in the Chilterns, a Breeding Bird Survey was carried out in the spring and early summer of 2002. It surveyed 72 1-km grid squares across the AONB, recording all birds seen and heard and the distance from the bird to the observer. This allowed us to estimate the population of 32 bird species and highlight their range across the area.
findings
Results from the survey have illustrated a number of key points:
The Chilterns holds about 4.8% of the British population of corn buntings – a species which has declined by 88% in the UK since 1970. As the Chilterns AONB only makes up 0.33% of the land area of Great Britain, this is obviously a nationally important population. The majority of the corn buntings are found in the southwest corner of the Chilterns.
Other declining farmland bird species are widely distributed throughout the AONB. These are skylark, yellowhammer and linnet. All these species are found at above average population levels, making the Chilterns a very important area for their conservation.
Other species are not faring quite so well in the AONB. Grey partridges have a very limited distribution and are found in poor numbers. They are mainly confined to the southwest corner of the Chilterns. Lapwings have a very poor population, with only a few hundred individuals left in the Chilterns. Tree sparrows and turtle doves were not recorded at all in the survey.
We are able to identify three ‘hotspots’ – areas that hold good populations of declining farmland species. These areas are around South Stoke / Ipsden in South Oxfordshire, Ashridge in Buckinghamshire and the Pegsdon Hills, just northeast of Luton. We can use information from these areas to help target conservation measures in the Chilterns.
action
A number of farmers in the Chilterns are carrying out specific measures to encourage birds on their farms:
farmland bird plots
These are large areas of bare ground maintained within crops to encourage birds such as lapwings or even the rare stone curlew to nest there. Lapwings have successfully nested on some plots. Some farmers are hoping to incorporate the nesting plots into new conservation management agreements offered through Defra’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
wildlife seed mixtures
Some farmers are sowing a wildlife seed mix to create a crop to feed seed-eating birds over the winter. Strips or blocks of various seed-bearing crops such as kale, quinoa, millet and sunflowers are planted next to hedgerows to provide safe cover and a good food source.
more information
Contact: Tracy Adams
Farming and Land Use Officer
Conservation Board
Tel 01844 355523
Email tadams@chilternsaonb.org
