The latest review of wild bird populations in the UK has yielded variable results. The review, which was conducted by Defra and the RSPB amongst others, shows fluctuations in the populations of most birds. However, results reveal major declines in the numbers of farmland birds over the past 40 years.

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The results of the review, released today by Defra, show that in 2010 breeding farmland bird populations, which encompasses 19 species of bird, were at their lowest level ever recorded. Farmland bird populations were found to have decreased by half overall since 1970. Some birds have benefited from changes which have seen others’ numbers drop off dramatically. 

Most of the declines occurred between the late seventies and the early nineties, but there was also a decline of 9.4 per cent overall in the five years up to 2009. Three species of farmland ‘specialist’, birds which are dependent on farmlands for nesting or most of their food, have declined by over 90 per cent since 1970, including the Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove and Corn Bunting have declined by over 90 per cent relative to 1970 levels. In contrast, numbers of two farmland specialists, the Stock Dove and Goldfinch, have doubled over the same period.

Reasons for decline

Major declines in some farmland bird populations have several known causes. Some declines have been caused by changes in land management and the gradual intensification of farming practices, which have resulted in habitat loss, a lack of suitable nesting habitat, and a reduction in available food sources.

Changes in farming practices, such as the loss of mixed farming systems, the move from spring to autumn sowing, and increase pesticide use, have also been demonstrated to have adverse impacts on farmland birds. The Skylark and Grey Partridge are thought to have been affected by these factors, although other species such as the Woodpigeon have benefitted.

However, Defra said farmers can make a positive contribution and support farmland birds. It said in its report that, over the past few years, a number of schemes have been put in place to improve environmental stewardship and help stabilise farmland bird populations. It said some declines could be attributed to weather effects, disease, and land development pressures. There are also an increasing numbers of studies finding evidence of a changing climate affecting birds in the UK and during migration.

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, commented on the findings, “These official figures once again show that farmland wildlife is struggling in our countryside. The decline of the turtle dove is particularly worrying. This is a beautiful bird which has an iconic connection with the British rural landscape and we are only now starting to discover what is causing its population to plummet so alarmingly.”

Mr Harper went on to commend the part played by farmers in supporting farmland birds whose numbers are dwindling. He said that “a small army of farmers” are putting in place wildflower margins and skylark plots, leaving their stubble unploughed over the winter and taking care not to overgraze their land so that these species have space to forage, nest and feed their young.

Harper continued, “If it wasn’t for these passionate custodians of our countryside, the situation would be a lot worse. But clearly more still needs to be done. We cannot stand by and allow the European Commission to undermine the Common Agricultural Policy’s support for environmental stewardship schemes, and we must be constantly striving to make those schemes as efficient and effective as possible.”

The report also revealed woodland bird populations in the UK were 19.4 per cent lower in 2010 than what they were in 1970 and water and wetland bird populations in the UK were 4.3 per cent lower in 2010 than they were in 1975.

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