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27 November 2008
The latest UK breeding figures for the stone-curlew – one of our most threatened birds - show that it has reached a conservation milestone, seven years ahead of target. However, the RSPB and Natural England today [Thursday 27 November] are warning that the recovery may be reversed if measures to create suitable habitat for this bird are not implemented quickly.
This summer’s population count revealed that 351 pairs nested, which means that the stone-curlew has met its 2015 Biodiversity Action Plan target of 350 pairs, well ahead of time. It is one of the few species of bird achieving this level of success. This crow-sized wading bird has its strongholds in the Brecklands of East Anglia, and Wessex, centred on Salisbury Plain.
But the survey also revealed a dramatic drop in the number of young birds being fledged. This year, on average every 100 pairs between them only fledged 49 chicks, making this the lowest level of success since at least 1988. The UK’s stone-curlew population this year only fledged 172 young, compared to 238 in 2007 - an average year.
The stone-curlew likes open ground, and it is believed that the combination of a wet spring and summer, prompting grass growth and making it hard for the birds to find insects on bare ground, and the scrapping of set-aside, where farmland is left un-cropped, had a significant impact on this year’s breeding success.
The RSPB’s Robin Wynde has been monitoring the fortunes UK’s stone-curlew population for over a decade. Commenting on this year’s figures, he said: “Whilst it is great to see the population going up again we are concerned at how few stone-curlew chicks were produced this year.
“We fear that numbers could drop over the next couple of years because there were too few young produced to replace natural mortality. Stone-curlews used to nest on fallow land or on bare patches within crops. This year there was very little open ground, particularly in the latter part of the summer, and it was a short breeding season as a result.”
Peter Brotherton, head of biodiversity for Natural England, said: “The recovery of the stone-curlew is fantastic news and shows the difference farmers can make when they manage their land with wildlife in mind. Together we are bringing this bird back from the brink of extinction and we will continue working with farmers and the RSPB to ensure it thrives in the future.
“As our countryside faces increasing pressure for food and energy production, we must ensure that our wildlife doesn’t lose out – A healthy natural environment is good for us all.”
Since 1990, the UK’s stone-curlew population has risen, due to wildlife-friendly farming schemes - like Environmental Stewardship - and set-aside. However, this success could be partially undermined by the scrapping of set-aside earlier this year as it provided the ideal conditions for these birds to nest and feed.
Gareth Morgan is the RSPB’s head of agricultural policy. He said: “When the European Commission axed set-aside, Hilary Benn did a fantastic job in securing compensatory measures. The challenge now is to seize these opportunities and continue to work through Environmental Stewardship for the benefit of the stone-curlew and other threatened farmland species.
“If the recovery of the stone-curlew continues, then we’ll all have to thank Mr Benn’s tenacity.”
The rise of the stone-curlew population is one of the major successes of the Natural England/RSPB Action for Birds in England project which has worked so positively with farmers.
Notes for editors:
For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:
Grahame Madge, RSPB press officer, on 01767 681577.
Out of hours, please telephone: 07702 196902 (mobile)
Beth Rose, Natural England senior press officer, 0845 603 9953 or 07900 608 052
Photographs:
Photographs are available to download free of charge from the RSPB Images website. To download images, click on the hyperlink and please enter the username and password below when prompted.
User Name: gm_stonecurlew
Password: gm_stonecurlew
Please note these pictures are only to be used in conjunction with the stone-curlew story.
Having Problems? Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
Broadcast-quality radio interviews:
To arrange an ISDN broadcast-quality radio interview with an RSPB spokesman please contact Grahame Madge at the RSPB press office.
Broadcast-quality footage:
Broadcast-quality Beta footage of stone-curlew is available on request from the RSPB press office. Please note this footage is only to be used in conjunction with the stone-curlew story.
Sound clips:
Sound clips of stone-curlew, are also available. These can be obtained as MP3 files by email, or via the RSPB’s ISDN line. Please contact Grahame Madge at the RSPB press office.
1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
2. Higher Level Stewardship targeting:
Natural England this week launched a new approach to its green farming schemes to help focus conservation efforts across large areas. More than 100 new 'target areas', including Breckland, were identified across England. The aim of the new approach is to increase environmental management across a larger scale to naturally help speed up the recovery of our habitats and wildlife. For further information, please contact Natural England’s press office: 0845 603 9953
