Wildlife

Wild Cirl Bunting Recovery in Devon Welfare Success

Cirl buntings recovered from just 118 pairs in Devon in 1989 to over 1,000 pairs through targeted agri-environment management. This is a model welfare and conservation success.

Key Facts

Cirl buntings were confined to Devon and a few Cornwall sites by the late 1980s
RSPB and Natural England agri-environment work with farmers drove remarkable recovery
They require grasshoppers for chick rearing - found in warm, rough grassland in summer
Winter seed from cereal stubble and weedy margins is essential

Welfare Considerations

Cirl bunting welfare recovery demonstrates the power of targeted agri-environment funding. The Devon success story shows that with appropriate farm support payments, endangered farmland birds can recover significantly.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB cirl bunting conservation in Devon and translocated sites in Cornwall
Share the cirl bunting recovery story as evidence agri-environment schemes work
Submit cirl bunting records to BTO BirdTrack during breeding and winter