Wildlife

Wild Skylark Nesting Protection Advanced

Skylark populations have declined severely in the UK and protecting nesting birds from agricultural operations is a critical conservation welfare priority.

Key Facts

Skylark populations have declined by over 50 percent since 1970 in the UK
They nest on the ground in arable fields and require open crops shorter than 30 cm for access
Nest destruction by machinery during cultivation and rolling is a primary mortality cause
Skylark plots - uncropped areas of around 20 square meters per plot - increase breeding success significantly
Multiple broods per season mean long-term breeding season management from March to August is needed

Welfare Considerations

Skylarks killed during agricultural operations suffer traumatic death. Chicks exposed by machinery face starvation and predation. Skylark plots provide refuge that prevents enormous numbers of individual deaths.

What You Can Do

Advocate for skylark plot provision as a mandatory requirement in arable agri-environment schemes
Support farmers implementing skylark plots and beetle banks
Donate to RSPB and Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust skylark research programs