Farmland Birds and Pesticides Advice Based on RSPB research funded by Defra through CRD

Background Changes in agricultural practice Declines in farmland birds Indirect effects of pesticide use –limit food availability for birds –reduce availability of non-target and beneficial species

Spring v Winter Cropping

Farmland Bird Index

Pesticide Use Pesticide Trends 1974 – 2008 Source CPA and FERA £m Has

How can you help? Understand the issues and solutions ‘Farmland Birds and Pesticides Best Practice Leaflet’ Follow the Four Steps for Farmland Birds Support CFE

Four Steps for Farmland Birds IFM principles Farm landscape Diversity of habitats 1. Integrated Farm Management

Four Steps for Farmland Birds Risk management Forecasts and treatment thresholds Varietal choice Selective herbicides 2. Responsible pesticide use (i)

Four Steps for Farmland Birds Summer insecticides Flowering crops and weeds Minimise spray drift 2. Responsible pesticide use (ii)

Four Steps for Farmland Birds Habitat Rough grass margins and field corners Wild bird cover crops or seed mixtures Pollen and nectar mixtures Wildflower-rich margins Uncropped, cultivated margin Benefit Grey partridge and predatory insects Grey partridge, linnet, tree sparrow and yellowhammer Yellowhammer, bumble bees and butterflies Bumble bees, butterflies and linnets Annual wild flowers, turtle doves and beetles 3. Field Margin Habitats Non-cropped areas can provide alternative food-rich habitats on the farm. All measures eligible for ELS & CFE

Four Steps for Farmland Birds Habitats Over-winter stubbles Skylark plots Fallow plots Undersown spring cereals Beetle banks Conservation headlands Low-input cereals Benefits Skylark, corn bunting, grey partridge Skylark, yellow wagtail Lapwing and annual wild flowers Grey partridge Grey partridge and corn bunting, beetles Grey partridge and annual wild flowers Grey partridge and corn bunting 4. In-Field Options In field options are essential for some species; they may be more costly but are rewarded through agri-environment schemes Blue = eligible for ELS & CFE. Black ineligible, Green only eligible if in ELS agreement

Grey Partridge Farmland Bird Index Grey Partridge

Corn Bunting Farmland Bird Index Corn Bunting

Yellowhammer Farmland Bird Index Yellowhammer

Skylark Farmland Bird Index Skylark

All four birds Farmland Bird Index

Information resources - Information on pesticide approvals, the legislation and the code of practicewww.pesticides.gov.uk - Advice sheets on management for bird species and farm habitatswww.rspb.org.uk/farming - Advice on the responsible use of pesticideswww.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk - Skylark Plots Best Practice Guidewww.saffie.info - Environmental Stewardship scheme in Englandwww.naturalengland.org - Glastir and agri-environment schemes in Waleswww.wales.gov.uk - Rural Development Contracts in Scotlandwww.scotland.gov.uk/topics/agriculture - Countryside Management Scheme in Northern Irelandwww.dardni.gov.uk

More tips to help birds Direct combining oilseed rape Encourage beneficial and non-target insects –Avoiding spring insecticides can allow to increase to such a level that no future spring insecticide use may be needed; –Provide habitats and environments e.g. beetle banks that encourage predators and parasites Cut hedges and ditches every 2-3 years Sprayer and spreader technology; Enhance food supplies for birds.