The results from this year’s County Down breeding bird survey are in, and they bring some great news for our farmland birds! The team of staff and volunteers carried out surveys across 30 farms and covered around 1,600 hectares. The results this year have shown that the hard work of farmers and landowners pays off, as their efforts to give nature a home are producing fantastic results. 

Yellowhammers were recorded on 14 farms this year, with an increase in pairs on 8 of these farms. Particularly exciting was a newly surveyed farm where 15 pairs of Yellowhammers were recorded. This is one of the highest counts on a single farm that the team has ever seen. This farmland bird is a key indicator of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, so seeing these increases is a hopeful sign for the recovery of species. 

Another success was shown with the increase in Linnet numbers, with territories recorded on 26 farms. Numbers increased on 10 of the farms, and Linnets were even discovered on three farms that had never been surveyed before.  

The team is also thrilled to report an encouraging discovery of Skylarks. Although no breeding pairs were recorded on lowland farms, an upland farm in the Dromara Hills turned up 8 new pairs of Skylarks. Skylarks are known to breed in the open countryside, and while they have struggled in lowland areas, it’s a good sign to see them thriving in upland habitats. 

How Farmers are Making a Difference, and What Kind of Changes Are Being Made?  

The results we’ve seen this year wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of local farmers and landowners who are actively making changes to create and protect habitats on their land. These changes are part of a broader movement towards more nature-friendly farming across Northern Ireland, ensuring that agricultural landscapes can support a rich variety of species. 

Many farmers are implementing measures such as leaving margins around their fields untouched, planting hedgerows, and managing field boundaries to provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for nature. By incorporating wildflowers and letting grass grow, they are also supporting insects, which provide vital food for many birds, including Yellowhammers, Linnets and Skylarks. 

These local County Down farmers are receiving advice from the conservation team to help these farmland birds. The success of these farmland bird results in County Down is a testament to how collaborative work between farmers and conservation can lead to success for both nature and agriculture. 

To arrange an RSPB NI site visit, contact – Michelle.Duggan@rspb.org.uk  

c.curran