MANAGEMENT IDEAS FOR SPRING

PROTECT NESTING BIRDS

The nesting season for many species kicks off in March and so it is advisable to stop any operations on uncropped land until September such as:
• Hedgerow management
• Cutting field margins, ditches and dykes
• Moorland burning
It is also advisable to start looking out for lapwing nests during cultivation, rolling or harrowing operations from mid-March onwards as these birds can start nesting early. On grasslands used by breeding waders such as lapwing, curlew and snipe, aim to go into the nesting period with the sward structure that target species require, so grazing levels do not need to be higher than necessary.

DO NOT SPRAY INSECTICIDES ON CONSERVATION HEADLANDS AFTER 15 MARCH

Protection of field boundaries and field margins is always important when using insecticides, but under the Conservation Headland prescription of agri-environment schemes, no insecticides should be applied to the designated headlands of cereal fields after 15 March. The idea is to protect a reservoir of beneficial insects that move into the crop in the spring, and to provide insect food for chicks of birds such as grey partridges. In Scotland and Wales, the schemes do not allow the use of insecticides on the headlands in this option at any time.

Click here for advice on management of conservation headlands

WILD BIRD SEED MIXTURES (OR WILD BIRD COVER)

April and May are the best months to establish seed-bearing crops to provide vital food for birds over the next two winters. Kale, cereal and quinoa are ideal components of the mix (kale only produces seed in the 2nd winter).

Click here for advice on management of wild bird cover

FERTILISER USE

Take measures to avoid fertilisers getting into hedge bases, ditches and field margins using a border disc or by adjusting the spreader.

On grassland, fertilisers encourage plants that favour high concentrations of nutrients such as nettles, while herbs and less competitive grasses begin disappearing at the lowest application rates (25KgN/ha). Many farmland bird species feed their chicks on insects and spiders found in the vegetation, especially larger ones such as grasshoppers and caterpillars. These are most available in low-input grasslands that are extensively grazed to maintain a mixture of tall and short vegetation. It may be possible to manage some steeper, isolated or less fertile fields in this way.

Unimproved grasslands are now a rare and irreplaceable habitat and should be valued for their high wildlife value. Try to maintain the long-established management practices that have created these special areas

LEAVE AN UNCUT MARGIN AROUND SILAGE FIELDS

The margins and corners of fields cut for fodder can be developed into valuable wildlife habitats with appropriate management. These areas will develop populations of insects that provide food for chicks of many farmland birds and can also provide rough grassland for hunting barn owls and cover for hares.

GRAZING

Grazed pastures are a rich source of earthworms and insects for birds. Swards that vary a lot in height provide suitable habitat for many birds as, depending on their feeding requirements, some birds prefer shorter vegetation, while others prefer pastures with areas of taller vegetation.

Livestock treated with avermectins excrete residues that adversely affect some invertebrates associated with the breakdown of dung. Aim to maximise the availability of avermectin-free dung, particularly through the breeding season. This can be done, for example, by avoiding treating older animals that are unlikely to be susceptible to the parasites. Discuss ways of reducing dependence on avermectins with your vet.

These management ideas are provided by the RSPB. If you have any questions, post them on the discussion forum on their new website at www.farmwildlife.info to get your answers.