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Farmland Birds and Pesticides

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

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Farmland Birds and Pesticides

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  1. Farmland Birdsand Pesticides Based on RSPB research funded by Defra through CRD Advice

  2. 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

  3. Spring v Winter Cropping

  4. Farmland Bird Index

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

  6. 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

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

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

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

  10. Four Steps for Farmland Birds 3. Field Margin HabitatsNon-cropped areas can provide alternative food-rich habitats on the farm. All measures eligible for ELS & CFE 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

  11. Four Steps for Farmland Birds 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 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

  12. Grey Partridge Farmland Bird Index 1974-2008 Grey Partridge

  13. Corn Bunting Farmland Bird Index 1974-2008 Corn Bunting

  14. Yellowhammer Farmland Bird Index 1974-2008 Yellowhammer

  15. Skylark Farmland Bird Index 1974-2008 Skylark

  16. All four birds Farmland Bird Index 1990-2008

  17. Information resources www.pesticides.gov.uk - Information on pesticide approvals, the legislation and the code of practice www.rspb.org.uk/farming - Advice sheets on management for bird species and farm habitats www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk - Advice on the responsible use of pesticides www.saffie.info - Skylark Plots Best Practice Guide www.naturalengland.org - Environmental Stewardship scheme in England www.wales.gov.uk - Glastir and agri-environment schemes in Wales www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/agriculture - Rural Development Contracts in Scotland www.dardni.gov.uk - Countryside Management Scheme in Northern Ireland

  18. 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.

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