30 September 2009

By Elizabeth Whiteside, Countryside Management, Banbridge

The move from a traditional mixed farming landscape towards a more grass-based system has led to a decline in the winter feed source of seed-eating farmland birds. Studies on yellowhammers suggest that winter survival is a problem for this bird in the UK.  It is likely that this holds true in Northern Ireland and explains why the yellowhammer is now largely restricted to arable and mixed farming areas.  

Retention of winter stubble is one option in DARD’s Countryside Management Scheme which aims to boost seed supply for farmland birds during the winter period.  Last year, some 670 farmers agreed to retain and positively manage 5,200 ha of stubbles, benefitting birds such as the tree sparrow, linnet and yellowhammer.  

If you are one of these farmers, now is a good time to check your agreement and see how many hectares you have agreed to retain.  Remember, this option can only be claimed on cereals or oilseed rape. Stubble fields that are undersown or have been sprayed, pre or post harvest, with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate may not be eligible so it is important to read the requirements set out in your agreement.

Retained stubble can be ploughed from 16^th February the following year, but delaying ploughing for as long as possible after this date will increase its value to seed eating farmland birds even more.  From harvest until this date, you can lightly graze the stubble and use supplementary feeding sites, provided there is no poaching.  However, you must not apply anything to the area, for example, farmyard manure or dirty water.

If you have agreed to retain stubble as part of your Countryside Management agreement, and have not been able to achieve the area shown on your agreement, simply amend your claim before returning it for payment.  For further advice on this option, or on any aspect of the Countryside Management Scheme, contact local Countryside Management staff.

Notes to Editors

All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.