Study

The recent declines of farmland bird populations in Britain: an appraisal of causal factors and conservation actions

  • Published source details Newton I. (2004) The recent declines of farmland bird populations in Britain: an appraisal of causal factors and conservation actions. Ibis, 146, 579-600.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Pay farmers to cover the costs of bird conservation measures

Action Link
Bird Conservation

Pay farmers to cover the cost of conservation measures (as in agri-environment schemes)

Action Link
Farmland Conservation
  1. Pay farmers to cover the costs of bird conservation measures

    A 2004 literature review of farmland bird declines in Britain (Newton 2004) found that 12 of 30 declining species have shown local population density increases after the implementation of agri-environment scheme options. Five out of ten seed-eating birds responded positively to agri-environment schemes, one (cirl bunting) showing large increases. Three other songbirds as well as corncrake, grey partridge and two waders responded to agri-environment scheme options. A further seven species responded to local conservation measures and eleven species were not studied sufficiently, were found not to respond to conservation measures or were recovering following national legislation (i.e. the prohibition of organochlorine pesticides).

  2. Pay farmers to cover the cost of conservation measures (as in agri-environment schemes)

    A 2004 literature review of farmland bird declines in the UK (Newton 2004) found that 12 of 30 declining species have shown local population density increases after the implementation of agri-environment scheme options. Five out of ten seed-eating birds responded positively to agri-environment schemes, one (cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus) showing large increases. Three other songbirds, corncrake Crex crex, grey partridge Perdix perdix and two wading birds responded to agri-environment scheme options. A further seven species responded to local conservation measures and eleven species were not studied sufficiently were found not to respond to conservation measures or were recovering following national legislation (i.e. the prohibition of organochlorine pesticides).

     

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