Farmland Birds & Wildlife on TIO land
Birds that have adapted to long standing farming practices in the UK are commonly known as farmland birds. They include skylarks, linnets, trey sparrows, grey partridges and corn buntings. Locally, we also count yellowhammers and gold finches as our farmland birds. The mosaics of field edges and cropping provide perfect areas for breeding, feeding and winter habitats for these farmland birds.
Farmland birds rely on a range of cereals, grasses, weed seeds and insects for food, and many sources can be drastically reduced through the actions of intensive farming methods. Organic methods of farming are therefore more farmland bird friendly and create thriving habitats.
In the Highlands around the organic farms at Gollanfield, you’ll find the only breeding population of corn bunting, a bird that was once common but has declined as intensive farming has increased. Locally, we also have wintering greylag and Icelandic pink footed geese who feed extensively on grassland, cereals and stubbles that will still hold some grain.
In addition to carefully managed farmland, semi-natural and open habitats, such as wet grasslands, also provide vital habitats for local and migratory wildlife. If you want to find out more about how these species are being protected and encouraged, take a look at the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/htm/counties/inverness_nairn/index.htm
And don’t forget to send us an email about the wildlife you find – in your garden, in the park or on your way to school. We’d love to hear from you and your wildlife report could be published here.
