Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies today called for renewed action on farmland birds, as new statistics show a decline in farmland bird populations while overall wild bird populations remain stable. Today’s statistics show that between 1970 and 2007 wild bird numbers have remained broadly stable. However, between 2005 and 2007 farmland bird numbers fell to their lowest recorded level, following a stabilisation in their numbers between 1999 and 2004. Key findings of the Wild Bird Populations 2007 Report include: Breeding farmland bird numbers (in England) are 52 per cent lower than 1966 levels (the base year). There was a sustained decrease between the mid-1970s and the mid-1990s due to changes in agricultural practice, including the loss of over-winter stubbles, the loss of mixed farming, increased use of agro-chemicals, and the loss of field margins and hedges. Numbers stabilised between 1999 and 2003, and have since fallen.  Farmland bird numbers are directly related to the availability of winter and summer food and nesting habitat. Woodland bird numbers (England and UK) are currently stable after declines in the 1980s and early 1990s.  Woodland bird numbers are affected by factors including changes in woodland structure, deer grazing and nest predators. Water and wetland breeding bird numbers across the UK number they are six per cent lower than the 1975 level.  Bird populations are affected by changes in the weather and climate. Seabird numbers (UK) are 31per cent higher than in 1970, but have shown a slight  decrease in recent years.

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3 November 2008
© Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (National