Birds

Farmland Seed-eating Birds

Species covered

Bullfinch, Corn Bunting, House Sparrow, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer

UK Lead Organisations:

Corn Bunting (RSPB / NE)

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

UK Lead Organisation:

N/A

Objectives

Policy

Seek to ensure agri-environment schemes are appropriately targeted to include measures to benefit these species. (NE)
Seek to incorporate beneficial farmland bird management practices into Staffordshire County Council farms estate tenancy agreements. (County Farm Estates)

Protection

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

Management, Monitoring, Research and Survey

Seek to target Environmental Stewardship at areas known to be farmland bird 'hot-spots'. (DEFRA, FWAG, CRP)
Seek to ensure the Environmental Stewardship 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)
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)
Promote the BTO / RSPB Breeding Bird Survey which is carried out across the county.
Ensure bird recording in the county continues to highlight key sites. (WMBC, RSPB, SWT)

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)

Further Information