The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has launched a new Woodland Grant Scheme which offers UK landowners funds to improve habitats for wild birds.

The Bird Conservation Targeting Project, has identified specific habitats and areas that are crucial to the survival and recovery of specific rare and endangered species and grant money will be allocated to landowners in thse areas.

Wild bird numbers have declined by around 20% since the mid-1980′s and the scheme aims to halt this decline. Ten key species have been particularly affected including the Redstart, Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Marsh Tit.

The decline in bird numbers is due to a lack management of woodland areas. The grant money could be used for preserving dead trees to provide nest sites, thinning, controlling grazing levels and creating glades and scrubby areas.

Nigel Symes, from the RSPB, said: “There is strong evidence that under-management of our woodland is driving the severe declines we are seeing in several woodland birds.

“This grant, because it is well targeted and is designed to deliver the woodland condition these birds need, is a very significant step in bringing about a recovery in their numbers.”

The effects of woodland management on the bird populations will be monitored during the scheme. The European Union and DEFRA are supporting the scheme, which is a part of the Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme.

Bob Evans from the Forestry Commission in the West Midlands, explained: “The West Midlands region is nationally important for woodland birds. If we can improve the habitat in these areas, together with other key locations in the area, it will significantly boost their fortunes.

“Species like Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher are important wildlife and it’s vital we do all we can to protect them. What we need now is for land managers to step forward and work with us to secure the future of these wonderful birds.”

Via Clickgreen

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