Initiative launched to stop decline in wild bird numbers

by Stephen Hurrell. Published Mon 10 Aug 2009 13:32

The pied flycatcher is a vulnerable species

Landowners are being offered grants to improve habitats for birds as part of a new Woodland Grant Scheme.

Supported by the RSPB, the grants will be offered to landowners and managers to maintain and protect important areas that provide a habitat for wild birds.

The Bird Conservation Targeting Project, run by the RSPB and other environmental organisations, has identified key areas where certain species breed. This map will be used to identify where the grant money would be best put to use.

The number of wild birds in the countryside has been chosen by the Government as one of 15 indicators of progress towards sustainable development.

However, the number of wild birds in the UK has fallen by 20 percent since 1985. The destruction of habitat is worrying for ten vulnerable species, including Redstart, Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Marsh Tit.

The decline in bird numbers is due to a lack management of woodland areas. The grant money could be used for preserving dead trees to provide nest sites, thinning, controlling grazing levels and creating glades and scrubby areas.

Nigel Symes, from the RSPB, said: “There is strong evidence that under-management of our woodland is driving the severe declines we are seeing in several woodland birds.

“This grant, because it is well targeted and is designed to deliver the woodland condition these birds need, is a very significant step in bringing about a recovery in their numbers.”

The effects of woodland management on the bird populations will be monitored during the scheme. The European Union and DEFRA are supporting the scheme, which is a part of the Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme.

Bob Evans from the Forestry Commission in the West Midlands, explained: “The West Midlands region is nationally important for woodland birds. If we can improve the habitat in these areas, together with other key locations in the area, it will significantly boost their fortunes.

“Species like Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher are important wildlife and it’s vital we do all we can to protect them. What we need now is for land managers to step forward and work with us to secure the future of these wonderful birds.”