Wildlife

UK Cirl Bunting Recovery and South Devon Farmland

The recovery of cirl buntings in South Devon through targeted farmland conservation.

Key Facts

Cirl buntings declined to fewer than 120 pairs in 1989 from thousands in the early 20th century
Recovery to over 1,000 pairs has been achieved through targeted agri-environment schemes
South Devon is the UK stronghold for this otherwise continental European species
Stubble fields and rough grassland provide essential winter food resources
RSPB and Natural England collaboration with farmers has driven the recovery

Welfare Considerations

Individual cirl buntings depend on farmland management delivering winter seed resources and nesting habitat, with targeted agri-environment measures directly improving their welfare.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB cirl bunting conservation in South Devon
Visit south Devon farmland reserves to see cirl bunting recovery
Advocate for agri-environment schemes targeting cirl bunting habitat