Posted on behalf of Helen Whitall, Volunteer Cirl Bunting Project Assistant
Farmers and conservationists celebrated at a special event at Dartington Hall, Totnes in November 2016. The RSPB held the event to thank all the farmers in south Devon (and now Cornwall) and others involved in the project, including Natural England which has been a major supporter and funder of the projects over the years. Their collective efforts have brought the cirl bunting back from the brink of extinction in Devon so that now more than 1,000 cirl bunting voices sing from farmland.
Cirl bunting numbers had fallen to just 118 pairs back in 1989, largely as a result of changes in agricultural practices. A survey last year showed that the bird’s population has now successfully grown to over 1,000 pairs for the first time since work began to save it in the UK; 1,078 pairs were found, including 65 pairs in south Cornwall.
Cirl bunting (www.rspb-images.com)
As people started to arrive, the sun came out showing off the Estate in its full autumnal glory. Farmers walked around the estate in the morning, seeing the farmland there which is now being managed for cirl buntings. A short reception was held for some decision makers who it is hoped will continue to stand up for cirls into the future. Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes and Cirl Bunting Champion, and the Lord Lieutenant of Devon both gave passionate speeches about the project.
Cirl bunting celebration walk. Image: Matt Austin
Then farmers and others involved in the project came together for lunch in the magnificent hall and to hear a short presentation about the success of work to save the cirl bunting. Many lingered after the end of the event, making the most of the opportunity to catch up with some old friends – and meet other farmers who had, like them, helped cirl buntings on their land using agri-environment schemes.
Attendees John and Jane Tucker who farm in south Devon said “We have had a wonderful time. We have enjoyed meeting up with so many, and hearing of the huge success of the project. We can’t believe it has been 25 years – what a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
Adrian Glanville, who farms 200 acres on the Roseland Peninsula where cirl buntings have been successfully reintroduced, said “When I was told we had our cirl buntings back I couldn’t believe it! It’s a great feeling to know that we must be doing something right for them to come back.”
Cirl bunting celebration lunch. Image: Matt Austin
Project Manager Cath Jeffs said “The main aim of the day was to thank the farmers involved with the project and to let them know that they were part of something really successful and rather wonderful. I really think we achieved this, the atmosphere and buzz in the room was amazing. It was lovely to look out on a room full of people all chatting and obviously proud of what they had been part of. “
“The Cirl Bunting Project has shown what can be achieved when people work together; farmers, conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, government have all come together to ensure this beautiful bird was not lost. To go back to farms where the birds were either absent or struggling and now find thriving cirl populations has been extremely rewarding, as has knowing that the farmers are as thrilled as me.’”