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COUNTDOWN
2002 - Cheshire region Biodiversity Programme
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Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
Date compiled - 1997
Date reviewed - 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002
Objective
Halt the decline in breeding pairs
Current
Status
Nationally the skylark is in decline;
recent RSPB research results have revealed a reduction in lowland breeding pairs
of around 54% between 1969 and 1991. National trend analysis in 'The State of
the UK's Birds 2000' survey (RSPB, WWT, BTO) shows a short term decline of 12%
and a long term decline of 52%. Their status in the Cheshire region is widespread
but their numbers are declining and sizeable flocks are less frequent.
The skylark is protected under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order
1985: EC Birds directive.
Within Europe its status is considered 'unfavourable' and it is listed as a
Species of European Conservation Concern Category 1 & 3.
Records of skylark on the rECOrd
database as at 01/12/00 (red = post 1980, black = pre 1980):
Threats
- Loss of wet grassland and associated
pools.
- Land drainage.
- Agricultural intensification.
- Silage production.
Current
Action
- The RSPB has highlighted the decline
in skylark numbers through the publication of a Species Action Plan and through
direct monetary appeals to both RSPB members and the public.
- Through the MAFF Countryside Stewardship
grant scheme (CSS) , several organisations are encouraging farmers to manage
existing wet grasslands for the general benefit of wildlife, as well as providing
advice on the re-creation of such habitat and highlighting the issue of decline
through raising public awareness at all levels.
- The introduction of the new arable
options into CSS in 2002 will significantly add to the value of this scheme
in delivering widespread benefits for the skylark and other farmland birds.
- Pressure is also applied through
the planning procedure where applications for intensive drainage are being
proposed.
- On-going recording effort by organisations
such as CAWOS and BTO.
- Restoration of CCC closed landfill
site to create suitable skylark habitat.
- In Cheshire the RSPB (co-funded
by the EA and EN) has initiated a Cheshire Skylark and Lapwing Lifeline (01484
861148, free 24 hour service) for landowners and provides specially trained
volunteers who give advice to landowners.
Action
Required
- Form links with the Cereal
field margins BAP and the Unimproved
grasslands BAP.
- Survey the breeding and over-wintering
populations of the skylark in the Cheshire region.
- To raise awareness of the decline
of the skylark and its habitat.
- Promote later silage cuts.
- Promote an increase in the population
by encouragement of correct management of existing habitats.
- Encourage the creation of suitable
habitat.
- Encourage the retention of field
margins.
- Object to plans submitted for
land drainage schemes.
- Work along with Environment Agency
on land drainage projects as and when our input is requested.
Action
Completed
- LBAP Action Group has been formed.
- Links to other farmland Bird BAPs
through the generic farmland bird BAP
- Targeting agri - environment schemes
at farmland bird hotspots in the region.
Actual
LBAP Implementers
RSPB; BTO; CAWOS; CWT; FWAG; Cheshire
County Council; PMH Natural History Services.
Other
potential implementers
BASC; CLA; SECOS.
Contact
Roy Leigh
Phone: 01606 333296
References
Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological
Society. Cheshire & Wirral Bird Reports.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the
Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2:Action Plans,
London.
Perkins, A (1996): Cheshire and Wirral Bird Audit, Cheshire Wildlife Trust,
unpublished.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1994): Species Action Plan 0876:
Skylark
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