Posted on behalf of Stuart Croft, Cirl Bunting Project Officer
As a youngster growing up in the south Midlands in the 1970’s, my fascination for discovering the birds around me was fuelled by one bird book in particular – The Reader’s Digest Book of British Birds. Not a conventional guide used for assisting with bird identification in the field – its generous dimensions and not inconsiderable weight put pay to that - this was a book intended for more leisurely reference. Between its covers the illustrations brought each species to life like no other book for me. I can remember looking at page 88 where a singing male cirl bunting is illustrated. What a beautiful bird – this is one I had to see! The small distribution map gave some hope that I might....
Image: Male cirl bunting (Nick Tomalin)
Alas, I never did see a cirl bunting in the south Midlands during that time and I never really stood much of a chance. What I hadn’t realised was that that little distribution map was struggling to keep up with the plight of a species in crisis.
By the late 1980’s the cirl bunting’s demise was almost complete. Around 120 pairs remained, mainly restricted to the coastal strip of South Devon between Plymouth and Exeter. Whilst hope existed, the RSPB set about working out a plan of recovery. Research highlighted that the crux of the problem for this farmland bird was the availability of suitable habitat. Changes in farming practices during the latter half of the 20th century had deprived cirl buntings of their basic requirements.
The switch from spring to autumn sowing removed the over-wintered stubbles that are so important in providing naturally-occurring weed seeds for cirl buntings, and other farmland birds. Intensively-managed pastures affected the composition and structure of grasslands, as well as reducing the abundance and availability of the insect food for chicks. Removal and frequent cutting of hedgerows and areas of scrub, limited nesting opportunities. Three basic requirements – nothing too complicated – surely, not too much to wish for?
Image: Stubble (Stuart Croft)
By working closely with landowners and farmers in South Devon, the RSPB was able to provide advice on the key management for cirl buntings, initially through set-aside and later through Countryside Stewardship. This saw a gradual return of the arable and pastoral habitats within traditional, mixed farming systems vital to the survival of cirl buntings.
By regularly monitoring the population, it is clear to see that the fortunes of this bird have turned around in South Devon. Twenty years on and the population had increased seven-fold to 860 territories by 2009. Great progress of course, but the story doesn't end there.
More content to stay at home than see what’s beyond the horizon, cirl buntings are one of those species not known for their pioneering spirit. This is clearly seen in their distribution throughout their recovery. Bodies of water like the Exe Estuary and Tamar River complex, or other unsuitable areas like the major conurbations of Exeter and Plymouth are significant obstacles limiting any expansion in range for cirl buntings.
And so it was that in 2006 a reintroduction project began, to attempt to bring cirl buntings back to a part of their former range in South Cornwall and to a geographically separate area that could provide additional security for the still vulnerable UK population. For each of the following six years, a quota of chicks was taken under licence from the most-healthy populations in South Devon and reared in captivity, before being released on the Roseland Peninsula. Though there were set-backs and unforeseen challenges on the way (which are to be expected for a novel project like this), persistence paid off and the project was declared a success in 2015, with the formation of a self-sustaining population – the first successful reintroduction of a passerine (perching bird) in Europe.
The key to success for this project is down to working in partnership. The RSPB, Paignton Zoo, Natural England, National Trust and Zoological Society of London channelled their collective skills and resources towards the shared goal, whilst the local farming community have been fundamental to success. Their desire and will to adopt agri-environment schemes and provide the necessary habitats which cirl buntings require is crucial for the long-term well-being of the population.
Image: Hand-rearing (Andy Hay)
This year we have taken a stock-take of the whole UK population of cirl buntings – something that was last carried out in 2009. With all the data entered, it’s clear to see that the population has not just increased, but has gone on to exceed 1,000 territories! The culmination of 25 years of working alongside landowners and farmers in the south-west – to reach this milestone is most rewarding and satisfying and provides inspiration for us all.
Image: male cirl bunting (Mike Dryden)
In these times when nature is under threat on so many different fronts, it’s so pleasing to see success like this. The recovery of cirl buntings in the UK clearly demonstrates that conservationists and landowners can work together and that profitable food production need not be at the expense of nature and all the benefits that it provides.
Read more about the cirl bunting on the website here - www.rspb.org.uk/thecirlbuntingstory