14 January 2008

Curvy Essex birds prove their pulling prowess

The chance to seek out the enigmatic corn bunting at Burnham Wick Farm in Burnham-on-Crouch has proven irresistible to many across Essex. RSPB guided walks on the 20 January to look for these special birds were booked up within days of being advertised.

Farmland bird species such as the corn bunting have declined by a massive 88% over the last 30 years. Essex remains as one of the last strongholds of these nationally scarce birds.

Agnes Rothon, People Engagement Officer for the RSPB said, ‘The corn buntings rotund appearance was actually the reason that the famous character Billy Bunter was named as he is. Even though these birds are of the rounder variety, a single male corn bunting has been known to hold court over harems of up to ten females! It must be the characterful buntings key-jangling song and spitting chip-pan call that woos the ladies.’

The increase of intensive agriculture over recent years has meant that there is little room for corn buntings to flourish nationally. A combination of a lack of safe nesting habitat, food for chicks throughout the breeding season and seed food for hungry adult birds in the winter has caused a dramatic loss of this species from many of its former strongholds.

Nevertheless, farmers such as Martin Smith of Burnham Wick Farm in Essex are making positive steps to ensure that corn buntings are provided for on their land and try to halt the decline of this rarely seen species.

Simon Tonkin, RSPB Farmland Advisor for the region said, ‘It’s great to see farmers like Martin taking steps to ensure habitat is created for farmland birds and witness the results of the imaginative work that is already being done on his farm. Simply planting special nectar rich crops to entice insects for corn bunting chicks in the spring and leaving plots of unharvested crops for adults to feed on in winter has seen great results at Burnham Wick farm.’

Alex Nichols, spokesperson for Natural England has further praise for Martin’s work to improve his farm for wildlife, ‘The farm at Burnham Wick has been in an agri-environment scheme for over 15 years. The schemes have provided financial support and advice to protect and enhance the diversity of wildlife and the rich historic environment at Burnham Wick farm.’

Alex continued, ‘Birds such as the corn bunting have been a key focus in these schemes. Mr (Martin) Smith has been a superb participant in our schemes and has carried out the management on his farm with great attention to detail and regular monitoring of success.’

Farmland bird friendly land management practices to help birds like the corn bunting can be funded through the governments Environmental Stewardship Schemes whilst the RSPB directly assist and support farmers like Martin who wish to incorporate this type of management.

For more information about the RSPB, future events in your region and how to become a supporter of the charity please visit www.rspb.org.uk or call 01603 697581.

Agnes Rothon
People Engagement Officer
Eastern England Regional Office
Tel: 01603 697581
Fax: 01603 660088
agnes.rothon@rspb.org.uk