RSPB NI and Farmers working together to protect farmland birds
This year’s farmland bird surveys across County Down have been revealed.
This year’s farmland bird surveys across County Down have revealed encouraging results for several key species, thanks to the continued efforts of RSPB NI, local farmers, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Advisory work continues through the County Down Farmland Bird Initiative – a group option within DAERA’s Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), with habitat advice provided to over 32 farms. These farms receive one-to-one support from RSPB NI to help manage land for wildlife, including guidance on habitat creation, winter seed provision, and species-specific advice for species like Yellowhammer. Farmers outside of these schemes are also supported with practical advice to help manage their land for nature.
Between April and June, surveys were completed on 37 farms, contributing to around 700 hours in the field from RSPB NI staff and volunteers. This huge team effort allowed survey coverage to stretch from Newtownards and Downpatrick to Tandragee, gathering vital data on breeding success across a range of farmland habitats.
Results show that Yellowhammer territories were recorded on 18 farms, with new breeding pairs found on four sites. Numbers remained stable overall with a total of 85 pairs, with the highest count reaching 15 pairs on a single farm. Linnet had another positive season with 108 pairs recorded over 21 farms with new breeding pairs on eight sites. The species continues to expand into new areas, making good use of rough ground and seed-rich habitats.
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Reed Bunting were recorded on 11 farms, with five new breeding pairs found despite hot, dry conditions that reduced foraging opportunities in ditches and wet grassland. Tree Sparrow were recorded on nine farms, also showing encouraging signs of stability, although the availability of nest holes may still limit their numbers. Skylark and Lapwing remain scarce on lowland farms, with just a handful of breeding pairs recorded. Barn Owl breeding was confirmed on five farms, with RSPB NI working closely alongside Ulster Wildlife to monitor nests and brood success.
Michelle Duggan, RSPB NI Conservation Officer, said:
These results show how managing farmland with nature in mind can have a real positive impact. Farmers across County Down are playing a vital role in supporting threatened species like Yellowhammer and Linnet. Their commitment to managing land for nature is helping iconic farmland birds stay an integral part of our countryside. The sad fact is that nature here is in trouble, we risk losing some of our most iconic birds, but it is only with help of our farmers, and support from DAERA, like this, we can continue to turn things.”
Neal Warnock, RSPB NI Conservation Manager, added:
The combination of tailored habitat advice, targeted management and volunteer support is having a tangible impact. County Down’s farms demonstrate that productive agriculture and thriving wildlife can go hand in hand, and we’re committed to building on these results in the years ahead.”
With the continued collaboration of farmers and conservation, RSPB NI aims to secure a future for farmland birds across County Down. RSPB NI want to ensure that these familiar species remain part of Northern Ireland’s rural landscape for generations to come.