“Surprising’ boost for farmland birds

A PIONEERING farmland bird project celebrating its 10th anniversary has been a bigger success than expected.

The RSPB has seen bird numbers increase by 177% at Hope Farm, Knapwell, Cambridgeshire. The charity embarked on the project in 2000 in a bid to show that a commercial farm could make a profit and provide wildlife habitats.

It has had particular successes boosting the populations of skylarks, linnets and yellowhammers. The overall diversity of farmland birds and other wildlife has also received a boost.

“We have learnt so much from our ten years of farming in the Cambridgeshire countryside,” said RSPB conservation director Mark Avery. “We really didn’t know whether this project would be a success when it started.

Nationally, farmland birds had declined by 50% since 1970, said Dr Avery. “At Hope Farm, and in other small corners of the country, real efforts are being made to do something about this before it is too late.”

The increase in bird numbers was achieved by putting 7.5% of land into environmental management. “With careful consideration we can make efficient use of our farmed countryside to provide both a home for wildlife and food for our tables.”

Hertfordshire Farmer Robert Law, who recently hosted the Cereals 2010 event, said it wasn’t just large conservation charities that could achieve similar results. “I have achieved real results on my land,” he said.

A recent survey on Mr Law’s farm found 38 species of birds including seven pairs of corn buntings, 13 skylark pairs and two grey partridge pairs. Other farmers could implement similar measures, he said.

Doing so would ensure the success of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment – the industry-led initiative to stave off a compulsory set-aside replacement by encouraging farmers to undertake voluntary environmental management.