We all know that well designed agri-environment schemes can deliver great things for birds, indeed the success stories of some of our most targeted schemes are well documented. However, what we didn’t know, until very recently that is, is what benefit really targeted schemes deliver for non-target species.
Are agri-environment schemes targeted at some of the UK’s rarest farmland birds – cirl buntings, stone curlews and corncrakes for example - delivering benefits for other wildlife too?
Well, step forward the latest evidence! Three studies, undertaken by RSPB conservation scientists and funded by Natural England, surveyed a range of species at farms with environmental measures in place for the farmland birds listed above. They then compared the diversity and abundance of wildlife with similar farmland which was not involved in bird conservation schemes.
What emerged was that the environmental measures which had been designed specifically to meet the needs of threatened birds were also providing a much needed boost for all kinds of other species, from wild plants to insects and small mammals
Arable land on Salisbury Plain with fallow plots for nesting stone curlews was found to have almost twice as many wild plants species, five times as many butterflies and bumblebees and four times the number of hares as similar land without the plots. Farmland in North West Scotland with specially managed plots for corncrakes had twice as many butterflies and up to four times the number of spiders. Other areas where grass was cut later in the year for corncrakes had 18 times as many bumblebees with some other insect species seeing a 15-fold population increase. Where pastureland had been managed for cirl buntings in Devon there were five times as many butterflies and other measures on the same land helped double the number of ground beetles.
At a time when funding for agri-environment schemes is under threat, both through the current CAP reform negotiations taking pace in Brussels and overarching EU Budget process, it's fantastic to be able to demonstrate the wider benefits that such schemes deliver. It's also another strong justification for the UK Government to maintain its firm, and very welcome position on the continued need to use funds from the CAP's Pillar I to boost the money available for agri-environment - and to continue much needed support for wildlife-friendly farming.
I have been pointed to this entry by Sooty and can endorse his comments. You only have to visit Winterbourne Downs RSPB Reserve to see this in practice and how it spreads out to the surrounding farming enterprises.
Really great news to know that not only are the intended species reaping great benefits but other wildlife and plants getting real benefits as well.
Really interesting informative blog.
It's fantastic to have this confirmed by science. A great step in proving the benefits of agri-environment...let's hope the UK Government stays strong on this and continues to support farmers striving for an environment richer in wildlife.