RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION FARMS - THE ALLERTON PROJECT GAME & SONGBIRDS |


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0 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016


recently with the RSPB, we were able to demonstrate that hedge management and resulting structure influences nesting success. Hedges that were neglected or cut annually were associated with lower nesting success than those that were cut less frequently but managed to maintain a dense structure. Our long-term data, combined with shorter-term, more intensive studies, together


demonstrate that a combination of habitat management and predator control can influence nesting success, and that this can influence breeding numbers of some species. Hare numbers have increased in recent years, both against the 1992 baseline, and the local comparison site without game management, but we are not seeing the numbers that were present when we managed the farm for wild game. Although the reared pheasant shoot provides much-appreciated driven shooting for people from all over the country, wild pheasants and partridges on the farm have not responded to the current management (see Figures 1 and 2). Wild pheasant numbers in 2016 were half those of the 1992 baseline, and no grey partridges were recorded on the farm in the autumn. Throughout the current game management phase, we have seen very few young gamebirds being produced. We hope to investigate this as we know it is something that is experienced on many other farms and estates.


250 feeders removed feeders removed Figure 2 Autumn grey partridges


Young Adults


Keepered period


KEY FINDINGS


A reared pheasant shoot with additional breeding season predator control has been associated with a 93% increase in songbird numbers. Poorly managed, open- structured hedges reduce nesting success. Hare numbers are eight times higher than the baseline. Wild gamebird numbers are not responding to the current management.


Chris Stoate John Szczur


Songbird abundance Figure 3


Keepered period 200


150


100


50


0 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 www.gwct.org.uk 2010 2012 2014 2016 GAME & WILDLIFE REVIEW 2016 | 63


Abundance index


Abundance index


Dunnock. © Peter Thompson/GWCT


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