Birds

Farmland Seed-eating Birds

Objectives

Targets

To see a 50% increase in numbers recorded by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in the county by 2010, i.e. Staffordshire will be contributing to a regional or national index increase of these species as recorded by BBS.

Total achievements to date (November 1998 - March 2001)

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Pilot Arable Stewardship Scheme will have benefited this species and provides the best mechanism currently for reaching the targets set above.

Current Action

Protection and Policy

All the species covered receive protection under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Management, Research and Survey

DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship Scheme is available across the county, and includes measures which can help farmland seed-eating birds.
DEFRA's pilot Arable Stewardship Scheme operated across parts of north and west Staffordshire. Elements of this scheme will be rolled out more widely via inclusion in mainstream Countryside Stewardship in 2002.
Set-aside can be managed to provide rotational stubbles, or more permanent rough grass cover, and also includes the option to sow a wild bird cover mix. A new Multi-Annual Set Aside option allows for 5 year environmental management plans with an assured income for landowners.
The RSPB is running an intervention project, targeted at known key sites for tree sparrows and corn buntings. Through the provision of seed or sacrificial crop areas, the project will aim to monitor the effectiveness of providing winter food to increase the winter survival of these populations.
The BTO / RSPB / JNCC Breeding Bird Survey is carried out across the county.
The RSPB has a research project based in nearby Shropshire studying the use made by farmland birds of grassland systems.

Action Plan

UK Lead Organisations:

Corn Bunting (RSPB / EN)

Linnet, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch (RSPB)

UK Lead Organisation:

N/A

Policy

Seek to ensure agri-environment schemes are appropriately targeted to include measures to benefit these species. Specifically the targeted roll out of new arable options into Countryside Stewardship in 2002 and the inclusion of a tree sparrow and corn bunting objective in the CSS county target statement. (DEFRA)
Lobby for development of a pilot Dairy Stewardship Scheme, to deliver benefits for these species and other farmland wildlife into intensive dairy areas. (Nature Conservation Organisations)
Seek to incorporate beneficial farmland bird management practices into Staffordshire County Council farms estate tenancy agreements. (County Farm Estates)

Management

Seek to target Countryside Stewardship Scheme at areas known to be farmland bird 'hot-spots'. (DEFRA, FWAG, CRP)
Seek to develop a programme of CSS promotional and training events in farmland bird 'hot-spot' areas. (CLA, DEFRA, FWAG, Nature Conservation Organisations)
Seek to ensure the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is used effectively to deliver good quality habitat for seed-eating birds. (DEFRA, FWAG)
Promote full use of multi-annual set aside to deliver 5 year management plans to benefit seed-eating birds in 'hot-spot' areas. (RSPB, DEFRA, FWAG)
Develop links with major landowners in the county to advise on management issues to benefit seed-eating birds. (RSPB, FWAG, SCC, Water Companies)
Use RSPB intervention project as an emergency measure to target over-winter feeding at key sites for tree sparrow and corn bunting. (RSPB, WMBC)
Consider developing of a county wide network of feeding sites, in suitable locations, using local community and youth groups, parish councils, schools etc. (RSPB, WMBC, SWT, SCC)

Monitoring and Research

Ensure adequate coverage of the Breeding Bird Survey within Staffordshire, for purposes of monitoring these species. (RSPB, WMBC, BTO)
Ensure bird recording in the county continues to highlight key sites. (WMBC, RSPB, SWT)
Provide DEFRA with details of hot-spot areas for effective targeting of CSS. (RSPB, WMBC)

Advisory

Increase awareness amongst the farming community of the decline that this species has suffered, and the measures that can be taken to reverse the decline. (SBAP Partnership, WMBC, CLA, NFU)
Make use of existing literature to promote conservation measures for these species. (SBAP Partnership)

Complementary Plans