Wildlife Welfare

Farmland Bird Recovery Measures Evidence

Farmland bird populations have declined dramatically in the UK and Europe, with agri-environment schemes designed to reverse losses showing variable but sometimes significant effectiveness.

Key Facts

Over 54 species of farmland birds have declined by more than 50% in the UK since 1970
Skylark, lapwing, yellowhammer and corn bunting have all suffered severe population losses
Agri-environment scheme interventions include overwinter stubble, uncropped margins and wild bird cover crops
Evidence shows well-targeted schemes can increase target species populations by 20-50%
Implementation quality and farmer engagement are critical determinants of scheme effectiveness

Welfare Considerations

Farmland bird decline represents a welfare crisis at population scale. Effective policy and payments that genuinely address food scarcity, nesting habitat and pesticide exposure can reverse losses.

What You Can Do

Support Environmental Land Management scheme funding prioritising farmland bird recovery
Buy food from farms with documented farmland bird stewardship practices
Contribute to farmland bird monitoring through BTO surveys and breeding bird counts