Wildlife Conservation

Wild Yellowhammer: Hedgerow Farming and Recovery

Yellowhammers have declined by approximately 60% in the UK since the 1980s. Recovery is possible through targeted agri-environment management of hedgerows and field margin habitats.

Key Facts

Yellowhammers nest in low dense hedgerows with adjacent rough grass for foraging
Loss of winter stubbles reduced food availability for yellowhammers outside the breeding season
Well-managed thick hedgerows with shrubby structure are essential nesting habitat
Yellowhammer populations have increased in areas with COUNTRYSIDE Stewardship scheme participation
Males sing a distinctive 'little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese' phrase throughout summer

Welfare Considerations

Yellowhammer welfare and conservation depend on farmland management that maintains winter food sources and nesting habitat. Agri-environment scheme uptake at sufficient scale can reverse population decline.

What You Can Do

Support hedgerow restoration and management on farmland through agri-environment schemes
Record yellowhammer sightings through BTO surveys to track population recovery
Advocate for over-winter stubble retention and seed-rich margins in farmland policy