SP 1 - Grassland and farmland bird assemblage

Code

SP 1

Priority species or species assemblage

Grassland and farmland bird assemblage

Description

This includes the following bird species: Grey Partridge, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Barn Swallow, Kestrel and Barn owl. All of which rely on both grassland and farmland habitats to restore their populations.

Wider environmental benefits

Reducing climate change impact

Assemblage measure 1

Plant species-specific wild bird seed mixes

Assemblage measure 1 description

Wild bird seed mixes are designed to increase the cover of plants that provide food for farmland birds in the autumn and winter. These include plants such as Spring Barley, White Millet and Linseed. Wild bird seed mixes that target Grey Partridge should be used. Further information is available here.

Assemblage measure 2

Implement predator exclusion measures

Assemblage measure 2 description

The nests and young of ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to predation. Predators commonly include Foxes, Crows, and domestic cats. Predator exclusion actions should be focused on reducing predators of the following species: Grey Partridge, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank.

Assemblage measure 3

Implement low-intensity grazing in wet grasslands

Assemblage measure 3 description

Snipe are wading birds, that use lowland wet grassland habitat for breeding and foraging. Low-intensity grazing is a management action that can provide high quality Snipe habitat in wet grassland habitat: stock create hoof prints which encourages small puddles and the growth of tussocky grass. However, stock should be removed during Snipe breeding season to avoid stock trampling on snipe nests or young. Further information is available here.

Assemblage measure 4

Erect fencing around nesting sites

Assemblage measure 4 description

Temporary fencing around nesting sites is a measure used to address predation pressure on ground nesting birds. Electric fencing deters predators such as foxes and can result in increased egg hatching and chick survival. This measure should be implemented with a focus on Curlew and Lapwing.

Assemblage measure 5

Implement late grassland cutting regime

Assemblage measure 5 description

Many wading bird species are attracted to nest in damp meadows or unimproved grassland. Lapwing often nest on arable land or grassland with low stocking rates and walk their chicks onto pastures to feed. Avoiding mowing during until late July allows Lapwing to finish raising their young without disturbance, as mowing can destroy nests and disturb chicks. Further information is available here.

Assemblage measure 6

Install nest boxes for target bird species

Assemblage measure 6 description

Nest boxes provide locations for bird species to nest and raise young and thus help to boost populations in areas where nesting habitat may no longer be widely available. Nest box designs can vary based on species and should therefore focus on these species: Barn Swallow, Kestrel and Barn Owl. Further guidance is available here.

Links to additional information and guidance

https://farmwildlife.info/how-to-do-it-5/seed-rich-habitats/wild-bird-seed-mix/

https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/snipe-habitat-guide.pdf

https://speciesontheedge.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/managing-grassland-for-breeding-waders.pdf

https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/all-about-nest-boxes