|
Project
origins
Cirl buntings, known to some as 'village buntings', are
only found in the UK in small pockets of farmland in South Devon.
The RSPB first got involved with these birds in the late 1980s in
response to a massive decline in the UK population and the threat
of possible extinction . Changes in land management were identified
as a major factor in the decline. The RSPB then employed a project
officer to work with farmers and others to help provide cirl buntings
with good quality habitat.
Action
for biodiversity
The cirl bunting population has increased by 580% to 700 pairs over
the 14 years of the project. This success is largely due to targeted
use by farmers of the Cirl Bunting Special Project, available
through Defra's Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This creates weedy
stubbles that provide a winter food source for cirl buntings. Indeed,
a recent study by RSPB showed that cirl buntings increased by 83%
on farms in Stewardship, compared with a 2% increase in adjacent
countryside without Stewardship. Stubbles and arable field margins
not only benefit cirl bunting but also a wide range of other species,
including many insects, birds and small mammals.
Relationships
to sustainable development
An RSPB survey showed that the principal reasons for farmers joining
Stewardship were potential economic as well as environmental benefits.
Once in the scheme their environmental awareness increased and many
farmers used Stewardship in a progression towards more demanding
land management, such as organic farming. Stewardship was seen to
benefit people as well as wildlife.
The project links with local schools and communities, to show how
conservation organisations can work together with local farmers
and landowners to help this flagship species and a wide variety
of other farmland wildlife.
The project has also worked closely with local planning departments
to encourage and promote the concept of sustainable developments.
This is important since 25% of the UK cirl bunting population, as
well as many important habitats and other important species are
threatened by development.
|
