Abstract from BTO Research Report No. 478:

N. Carter (2007)

Westfield Farm, Cambridgeshire (Plot 1572) The Countryside Restoration Trust Report on Breeding Birds 2005 ISBN 978-1-906204-21-1

INTRODUCTION

This was the fourth annual survey of the breeding birds of Westfield Farm, Comberton, Cambridgeshire, using a territory mapping methodology (Marchant et al. 1990). This survey followed a baseline survey in 2002 before any management practices were modified to benefit birds and other wildlife (Carter & Glue 2003) and two years of management practices (Carter & Glue 2005; Carter 2006).

The major change at Westfield Farm was in the winter of 2002/03 when the one large field of winter wheat surveyed in 2002 was converted into four fields, each with 6m margins. The pollen and nectar strip, with adjacent beetle bank was retained for 2005. Various habitat changes were made to Westfield Farm for 2005, a hedge was planted on the western boundary to fill gaps and two margins were sown with a flower-rich mix for bumblebees. Cropping in 2005 was winter wheat (two fields), spring barley and winter rye. In addition, a small patch of wild birdseed mix, consisting of spring barley, linseed, rape and dwarf sunflower, was sown in the southwest corner. The area near the stream entered the third year of a meadow recreation scheme, with some willow planting, at the western end.

The surrounding land is mostly arable with a disused railway line running along the southern boundary. There is a small nature reserve in the southwest corner. Bourn Brook runs along the southern edge of the area.

In total, 55 species were recorded on, or flying over the area during the census visits, compared with 56 in 2004, 50 in 2003 and 47 species in 2002 (Table 1). This included 28 species that were considered to be holding territory, compared with 33 in 2004, 32 in 2003 and 27 in 2002. Some interesting species and species of conservation importance occurred including: Grey Partridge, Skylark, Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting (Table 1). One red-listed species, that had been recorded in 2004 was however lost: Corn Bunting; and Lapwing (non-territory holding) and Turtle Dove (one territory) also were not seen after being lost in 2004 (Table 1).

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