Menu
11/11/2003
Rare farmland bird saved from extinction
One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened birds has come back from the brink having achieved almost a six-fold increase in numbers in just 14 years, according to a survey from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The increase in the population of the rare cirl bunting, a sparrow-sized farmland bird, to almost 700 pairs has bucked the overall downward trend for most farmland birds. Following decades of decline, driven by changes in farming and land use, the bird’s numbers crashed to just 118 pairs in 1989.
The bird is a relative of the more familiar yellowhammer and is confined to south Devon - but formerly the bird ranged more widely across southern Britain.
The joint RSPB and English Nature-funded Cirl Bunting Project was launched to help farmers protect these threatened birds on their land. The key successes of the project have been giving landowners targeted land management advice and helping them apply for Countryside Stewardship funding.
Cath Jeffs, the RSPB’s Exeter-based cirl bunting project officer, said: “The cirl bunting is one of our most attractive birds, but it’s also one of our fussiest. To thrive it needs a supply of large insects in summer and a rich source of seeds over winter. Because cirl buntings don’t migrate these feeding sites need to be in the same areas.
"Sadly, changes in how land is managed, especially the loss of the traditional spring sowing of cereal crops, means that neither of the bunting’s needs were being met and the bird was suffering terribly."
Mark Robins, RSPB senior policy officer, said that there was much to learn from the experience of "this very successful project".
(gmcg)
The increase in the population of the rare cirl bunting, a sparrow-sized farmland bird, to almost 700 pairs has bucked the overall downward trend for most farmland birds. Following decades of decline, driven by changes in farming and land use, the bird’s numbers crashed to just 118 pairs in 1989.
The bird is a relative of the more familiar yellowhammer and is confined to south Devon - but formerly the bird ranged more widely across southern Britain.
The joint RSPB and English Nature-funded Cirl Bunting Project was launched to help farmers protect these threatened birds on their land. The key successes of the project have been giving landowners targeted land management advice and helping them apply for Countryside Stewardship funding.
Cath Jeffs, the RSPB’s Exeter-based cirl bunting project officer, said: “The cirl bunting is one of our most attractive birds, but it’s also one of our fussiest. To thrive it needs a supply of large insects in summer and a rich source of seeds over winter. Because cirl buntings don’t migrate these feeding sites need to be in the same areas.
"Sadly, changes in how land is managed, especially the loss of the traditional spring sowing of cereal crops, means that neither of the bunting’s needs were being met and the bird was suffering terribly."
Mark Robins, RSPB senior policy officer, said that there was much to learn from the experience of "this very successful project".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2004
'Bird flu' fears sees EU ban on bird imports
Following public concerns over the outbreak of bird flu in southeast Asia, the European Commission has agreed to suspend all imports of captive and pet birds from nine Asian countries into the EU.
'Bird flu' fears sees EU ban on bird imports
Following public concerns over the outbreak of bird flu in southeast Asia, the European Commission has agreed to suspend all imports of captive and pet birds from nine Asian countries into the EU.
03 March 2004
Windfarm siting must not threaten bird populations, says RSPB
Government must do more to consider the siting of windfarms in terms of their effects on local bird populations, the RSPB will tell the British Wind Energy Association conference tomorrow.
Windfarm siting must not threaten bird populations, says RSPB
Government must do more to consider the siting of windfarms in terms of their effects on local bird populations, the RSPB will tell the British Wind Energy Association conference tomorrow.
22 September 2004
Action needed to reverse 'serious decline' of farmland birds
Conservationists have called for action following the "serious decline" of UK farmland birds on grassland farmed for dairy, beef and sheep.
Action needed to reverse 'serious decline' of farmland birds
Conservationists have called for action following the "serious decline" of UK farmland birds on grassland farmed for dairy, beef and sheep.
24 June 2015
Police Issue Warning After Ostrich-Like Bird Reported Missing
People in Nottinghamshire have been warned that a large ostrich-like bird is on the loose after being reported missing from a private collection in Carlton-in-Lindrick. Police were called just after 17:00 on Tuesday to a report of the rhea – a 6ft tall flightless bird native to South America – being missing near Worksop.
Police Issue Warning After Ostrich-Like Bird Reported Missing
People in Nottinghamshire have been warned that a large ostrich-like bird is on the loose after being reported missing from a private collection in Carlton-in-Lindrick. Police were called just after 17:00 on Tuesday to a report of the rhea – a 6ft tall flightless bird native to South America – being missing near Worksop.
09 December 2014
UKIP Suspends Roger Bird
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) has suspended its General Secretary Roger Bird following allegations of impropriety, the party has confirmed. A claim was revealed about the conduct of Mr Bird in relation to to candidate selections.
UKIP Suspends Roger Bird
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) has suspended its General Secretary Roger Bird following allegations of impropriety, the party has confirmed. A claim was revealed about the conduct of Mr Bird in relation to to candidate selections.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
