Current status
One of the most widespread birds of the British Isles, with over 2 million breeding pairs, the resident population is joined in winter by a significant proportion of the northern European population - possibly up to 25 million individuals. Nonetheless, the UK breeding population of skylark on lowland farmland declined by 54% between 1969 and 1991. The population has also declined substantially in many other European countries.
The causes of decline are poorly understood because population trends in habitats other than farmland are largely unknown. It is thought that autumn-sown cereals may make an unsuitable nesting habitat compared with spring-sown varieties, and dense, tall fertilised grass is also unsuitable.
The skylark is protected under the EC Birds Directive. It is also protected under the WCA 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Intensive management of arable fields has reduced ephemeral weeds and insect prey through the use of agrochemicals. An increased trend to autumn-sown cereals has reduced the number of essential winter stubble fields and may provide unsuitable habitat in comparison with spring-sown varieties.
Conversion of lowland grassland to arable.
Intensive management of grasslands.
Early silage cutting, which destroys nests and exposes skylarks to predators.
Current action
Little action has been taken to help the skylark, as BTO census work has only recently highlighted its decline. Survey and research is now commencing to identify the causes of the decline, particularly the effects of habitat change.
A Species Action Plan has been prepared and agreed by RSPB and the country agencies.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain the BBS population index for skylarks at or above the 1995 level.
Maintain the number of wintering skylarks at or above 1997/98 level as determined by the JNCC/BTO survey.
Maintain the range of skylarks as measured by the frequency of occupation in BBS squares at or above the 1995 level.
Reverse the population decline on lowland farmland and other habitats, where found to be declining, as measured by BBS indices
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
In the light of the outcome of action re 5.5.2, consider the need for incentives for maintaining and re-establishing permanent pasture, reducing pesticide use, retaining field margin features and introducing winter stubbles. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Consider the requirements of the skylark in any negotiations on changes to, or reform of, agricultural support. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Consider further improvements to the set aside regulations to reduce the harmful effects of cutting and wide-spectrum pesticide use. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Review procedures for testing, introduction and replacement of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals to assess indirect effects on non-target species before approval for use is given. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Encourage a more cautious and targeted use of pesticides on farmland. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Encourage sympathetic management of rotational set aside. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
No actions proposed.
Advisory
Disseminate information on skylark conservation to farmers and farm advisory services. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Survey habitat use to determine the distribution of farmland skylarks in relation to crop types. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, SNH)
Undertake a detailed ecological study on skylarks on lowland farmland, to determine the reasons for decline, including examination of crop preferences, breeding success, diet and food supply. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, SNH)
Ensure annual monitoring of breeding skylarks through the BTO/ JNCC/ RSPB Breeding Bird Survey. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, SNH)
Assess the wintering population of skylarks to put the UK population into a European context. (ACTION: JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Provide information annually to Birdlife International on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global red lists. (ACTION: JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Ensure that the problem of the decline of farmland birds has a high profile, using the skylark as an illustration. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p97)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species