Cirl buntings re-introduced into Cornwall.

05/08/2006 00:00:00 October 2006. A rare bird that breeds in only one county has been re-introduced to a new region in a pioneering experiment. More than seventy cirl buntings were released in south Cornwall in an innovative project run by the RSPB, Paignton Zoo, Natural England, and the National Trust. This is the first European re-introduction of a small farmland bird. The RSPB’s director of conservation, Mark Avery said: ‘We’re very happy that this ambitious collaborative project has got off to such a good start. We have our fingers crossed that these birds survive their first winter and settle down into their new home. This project is really about putting wildlife back into the environment and making up for some of the losses that have happened recently. If we succeed, and things look good, then it sends a very positive message that farmers and conservationists together can create a countryside that is richer in wildlife.’

Cirl bunting chicks were collected under licence from several south Devon sites last summer and hand reared by aviculturists with Paignton Zoo before being released into the wild.

The cirl bunting was once common in Britain and was found right along the south coast and into north Wales; however changes in farming practices and loss of suitable habitat to built development led to its decline its range was restricted to a small area of south Devon. In 1989 only 118 pairs of the bird remained in the UK. However the RSPB has worked with farmers since 1993 to ensure cirl buntings have the appropriate habitat to live, feed and breed. Cirl bunting numbers have now risen to over 700 pairs.

RSPB conservation officer and project manager, Chris Townend, said: ‘Cirl buntings are beautiful birds to look at but they are very lazy and they never move more than about one mile from their birthplace. Their population has increased but, until now, they were concentrated in just one small area, so they were very vulnerable to disease. This is why they need a helping hand to secure their future here.’

The re-introduction of cirl buntings to other areas in southern England is the aim of a UK Biodiversity Action Plan for the species, but the birds also need landowners and farmers on their side if they are to become re-established. Buntings need weedy stubble fields where they feed on seeds and spilt grain in winter and, during summer, insect-rich land with hedges to nest in.

Farmers in Cornwall are helping the birds, as the hand reared cirl buntings have been released onto farmland. The location remains a secret to minimise disturbance to the birds, which may effect whether or not the project succeeds. A trial release in Devon was successful, with cirl buntings surviving the winter and joining the wild population.

Chris added: ‘Every bird from the first year of the scheme has been colour-ringed, so the birds can be monitored to see how well they are doing. In the meantime, we’re hoping more local landowners will sign up for Environmental Stewardship to give the cirl buntings the best chance.’

Cornwall was chosen for the release as it met all the criteria set during research into potential re-introduction areas. Cirl buntings were found there until a few decades ago, it has plenty of suitable habitat thanks to National Trust tenants and others, and a mild climate (cirl buntings are vulnerable to prolonged cold weather and snow). It is also thought that it will be able to support the largest number of pairs compared to other sites.

The project was partly funded by the Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action Fund, a grant scheme run English Nature. The cirl bunting re-introduction project will run for the next 3 years, to allow the release of enough birds to create a sustainable population.