Wildlife Welfare

Wild Skylark Farmland Recovery Welfare

Skylark populations have declined by over 50% in the UK since the 1970s due to changes in farming practices, with agri-environment schemes providing targeted recovery measures.

Key Facts

UK skylark numbers have fallen from 10 million to 4 million pairs since 1972
Autumn-sown cereals create dense canopies that prevent skylark nesting
Skylark plots - small undrawn areas within arable crops - increase nesting success by 40-50%
Multiple broods require open ground availability through summer
Winter stubbles provide essential food for wintering skylark flocks

Welfare Considerations

Skylarks denied nesting opportunities in modern arable crops face complete breeding failure. Skylark plots provide open areas within dense crops where birds can nest successfully. Each nesting pair that raises chicks due to skylark plot provision represents improved welfare through reproductive success. The connection between farming practices and individual bird welfare is direct and measurable.

What You Can Do

Advocate for agri-environment payment for skylark plot creation
Support farms creating skylark plots on arable land
Record skylark presence to contribute to farmland bird monitoring