Concerns relating to farmland birds.

The latest edition of BTO NEWS magazine has a fascinating article about the continuing decline of some of our farmland birds and the need for further research.  Some of the research carried out in the past has paid off and declines have either stabilized or reduced. Other species have not, such as the Skylark, Yellowhammer , Lapwing and Grey Partridge.

Since the 1970's the average decline in farmland birds is 62%. Some of the declines slowed after the 70's , but then have accelerated again in the last ten years.  The BTO has launched an appeal ( The Farmland Bird Appeal ) to generate funds for additional future research.  Support is ever critical and, if you're not a member, now is the time to step forward.

Contact can be made with the BTO via its web site ( www.bto.org ) or simply by contacting them by telephone, 01842 750050.  I've been a member for years and have never regretted the decision. It's research work addresses cutting edge problems , both at home and abroad, and helps in finding solutions to conserve the birds that we all take our enjoyment from.