Current status
The cirl bunting is closely associated with traditional, mixed farming and was found in many parts of southern Britain in the last century. In 1938 it was still widely distributed across southern England with isolated populations as far north as north Wales. However, by 1970 the population had declined and notable gaps had appeared in its range. The population crashed in the next decade and a national survey in 1989 found only 118 pairs of which all but four were in south Devon. Since then the Devon population has begun to increase with an estimated 370 occupied territories in 1996. The species is largely sedentary and a small number of males still survive at an isolated site in Cornwall, although extinction here seems likely. Elsewhere in Europe it occurs around the Mediterranean and in temperate regions, and declines have been reported in a number of areas.
The cirl bunting is specially protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and EC Birds Directive, and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Research by RSPB since the late 1980s strongly suggests that a number of factors relating to changes in agricultural practice are largely responsible for the decline of this species. They include:
Loss of winter food. A marked reduction in cereal stubbles and other wildflower-rich fields, and the loss of stockyards and threshing yards, have greatly reduced winter food availability. The indirect effects of pesticides may have been a contributory factor at the start of the cirl bunting decline and could hinder future range expansion.
Loss of food for chicks. Chicks are predominantly fed on large insects, especially grasshoppers and crickets, which have declined due to intensive grassland management (fertilising, re-seeding, close-grazing etc) associated with dairying and livestock rearing in the south-west. This results in poor productivity due to the starvation of chicks, and it is likely that poorly-fed broods are more easily found by corvids and other predators.
Habitat loss. Built developments, removal of hedges and, in the long term, abandonment of arable land have all resulted in the loss of cirl bunting breeding and wintering sites.
Disturbance. Cirl buntings are especially prone to disturbance from birdwatchers, walkers and other visitors during the breeding season and the post-fledging period.
Weather. Cirl buntings are especially vulnerable to hard winter weather, particularly when snow cover makes food in stubble fields unavailable. This is of particular concern because the species is found in only one small area of the country. Cool, wet conditions in the breeding season result in poor breeding success although, since the cirl bunting has a protracted breeding season, it is possible for good numbers of young to be reared even when the early season weather is poor.
Current action
As a result of RSPB research, enough is now known about the most important requirements of cirl buntings to enable direct conservation action to be taken, mainly through a project officer funded by an RSPB/NE Species Recovery Project, with support from a range of other partners including MAFF and local authorities.
Farmers in the key areas have been persuaded to retain stubble fields through the winter and these have been well used by cirl buntings. The benefits of set-aside to the species have been widely promoted to relevant individuals and organisations. A considerable number of Countryside Stewardship agreements have been signed and implemented. Practical advice to landowners, local authorities, advisers and others on how to conserve cirl buntings has been acted upon.
A recent survey has identified potential localities in southern England (mid Somerset, Isle of Wight) which could support cirl buntings in the future but which require suitable management of farmland. Translocation to such areas may be necessary as the species shows very poor dispersal abilities.
Action plan objectives and targets
In the short term, maintain the upward trend in numbers (within the current range) of the cirl bunting population in the UK.
In the short term, reduce fragmentation (within the current range) of the cirl bunting population in the UK.
Increase the UK population to 550 territories by the year 2003.
In the long term, ensure a wider geographical spread of the cirl bunting by re-establishing populations outside the current (1997) range.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Take account of the need to recover cirl bunting and other farmland bird populations when developing agricultural policy and CAP reform; consider how to extend the Arable Stewardship Scheme if the pilot is successful, and how to substitute for the benefits of set-aside, if this is further reduced or abolished. (ACTION: MAFF)
Where appropriate, incorporate new management prescriptions when reviewing agri-environment schemes, especially ESAs and Countryside Stewardship, in order to reverse some of the recent changes in farm management outlined in Section 2. (ACTION: MAFF)
Seek uptake of a more cautious and targeted use of pesticides and fertilisers on farmland to reduce the impacts on potential food sources for the cirl bunting. This could include encouraging integrated crop management and organic farming. (ACTION: MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Secure a minimum of 25 new Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements per year, for the years 1998-2000, that will deliver cirl bunting management in south Devon. This should include the provision of at least 40 ha of winter stubble per year (120 ha over three years). (ACTION: MAFF)
Promote positive management on existing SSSIs that support cirl buntings. (ACTION: NE)
Incorporate policies to assist cirl bunting conservation in appropriate development plans. (ACTION: LAs)
Protect key cirl bunting breeding and wintering sites from significant adverse changes due to development. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Continue to fund action for cirl buntings through English Nature's Species Recovery Programme. (ACTION: NE)
Consider reintroductions as an aid to cirl bunting conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Provide supplementary food for cirl buntings when hard winter weather prevents access to natural food in fields. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Promote further advice to land managers on management for cirl buntings as one of a suite of farmland birds and update that advice in the light of new policies and research findings. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Future Research and Monitoring
Continue the programme of cirl bunting research and monitoring including annual sampling of nesting success and periodic full surveys of the breeding population approximately every 10 years (next survey due in 1998). (ACTION: NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote the need for cirl bunting conservation, particularly to land managers, birdwatchers and holiday-makers. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p61)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species