Wright, L.J., Hoblyn, R.A., Sutherland, W.J. & Dolman, P.M. 2007. Reproductive success of Woodlarks Lullula arborea in traditional and recently colonized habitats. Bird Study 54: 315-323.

Abstract

Capsule Set-aside schemes have allowed breeding Woodlarks to colonize farmland, but heathland and forestry habitats remain the stronghold.

Aims To determine which habitats provide the best conditions for breeding Woodlarks and whether a buffer effect is operating, with density increasing faster in the poorer quality habitat as the population grows.

Methods Habitat colonization was examined and breeding success compared among heathland, clearfelled and young conifer plantations, and farmland set-aside.

Results Woodlarks on heathland and forestry habitats had similar clutch sizes and nesting success, but clutch sizes may be lower on farmland. Heathland was recolonized when population density was low in forest habitats, while farmland was colonized when density was increasing, and areas close to forest were preferentially occupied. Woodlarks breeding on farmland preferred set-aside stubbles to other field types.

Conclusion Forestry and heathland habitats are similar in quality for breeding Woodlarks, with no
evidence for a buffer effect. Farmland set-aside may be suboptimal but the area available is much greater than the area of forest or heathland, and could therefore make a significant contribution to the
conservation of the Woodlark population. However, set-aside should not be seen as an alternative to the conservation of forest and heathland.

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