Providing the basics of food and shelter for farmland birds is already having an impact in increasing numbers and diversity of some species. New initiatives will help growers to deliver more.

Falls in the numbers of farmland birds has occurred for a many reasons over the past 40 years. However, there are some really encouraging initiatives instigated over recent years that have shown how landowners can proactively support more farmland birds.  This includes a Bird Environmental Stewardship Tool (BEST) http://best.simomics.com/ which takes account of management options in the old Entry Level Stewardship Scheme (still the best options for birds) and your farm.  Providing the basics of food and shelter for farmland birds will have an impact in increasing numbers and diversity of some species, thus helping growers to deliver more.  Just go to the ‘Farm level’ option for easy use or the ‘Field option’ for a finer level of guidance.