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Farmland Birds in Southern Streams
Farmland Birds in Southern Streams
In winter 2024, Southern Streams farmers participated in overwinter farmland bird surveys, funded by the North Wessex Downs Farming in Protected Landscapes grant (FiPL). These surveys were completed by an experienced ornithologist, focusing on winter bird food plots which attract wintering birds by providing seed food.
The results identified that the Southern Streams is supporting 10 red listed species, with the linnet being the most abundant bird found in the group area. This is an enormous achievement as the linnet has declined by 72% since 1967! Alongside this, 14 farmland bird indicator species were recorded which is 74% of the UK list and included the corn bunting whose UK population has declined by 86% since 1967. The group has also been taking part in the Peewit Project and in 2024 held the majority of breeding lapwing found in Wiltshire.
These surveys have shown that actions Southern Streams Farmers are taking to support threatened farmland birds, such as through nature-friendly farming and providing habitats, are providing a stronghold for species within the North Wessex Downs Protected Landscape. The group hope to keep increasing farmland bird diversity and abundance through their sensitive farming practices and targeted habitat management to address issues that threaten the birds.
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