Siriwardena, G.M. & Anderson, G.Q.A. 2007. How can agri-environment measures providing winter food for birds best deliver population increases? Aspects of Applied Biology 81: 117-126.

Abstract

Several options in current UK agri-environment schemes aim to enhance winter food resources and hence reverse many farmland bird declines, but it is unknown whether they will succeed. It is important to identify how and where such measures should be targeted, to maximise their value and cost-effectiveness. We describe the possibilities for enhancing winter seed availability for birds and review recent research. Measures should be targeted towards regions where target species remain sufficiently common to respond and where sufficient breeding habitat is available. Resource patches should be at least 500m to 1km apart to reach discrete groups of birds and so maximize cost-effectiveness. Supplementing winter food can deliver population increases, but seed supply must reach enough individuals of the species of interest: in practice, appropriate seed should be available in the right context and at the critical time (late winter). Agri-environment schemes should consider this and be adaptable to account for important new discoveries such as evidence for induced predation or disease risk.

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