Since 1994, Yellowhammer numbers have declined by 57% in Wales. The Yellowhammer is often thought of as a bird of arable farmland, with declines linked to agricultural intensification in this habitat specifically. However, the decline monitored by Breeding Bird Survey volunteers in Wales suggests the problem is a wider issue, as shown in the latest Breeding Bird Survey report. The move towards more efficient grass-based livestock rearing and the resultant loss of potentially seed-rich arable and fodder crops, that provide a critical source of seeds during the winter months for Welsh Yellowhammers, is thought to be a driver behind the decline. There is also additional pressure on breeding Yellowhammers in Wales because the high level of grazing in the country results in fewer unimproved, unfertilised and uncut field margins. Combined with increased herbicide spraying, this is reducing the availability of the invertebrate prey the Yellowhammers need to feed their young – thus reducing their overall breeding success. Added to this is the reduction in nest site availability due to the loss and degradation of farmland margins and hedgerows. Sarah Harris, BBS Organiser at the British Trust for Ornithology, said, “Yellowhammers are a familiar feature in the Welsh countryside and a decline of 57% shows these colourful buntings are in real trouble. Breeding Bird Survey coverage in Wales has increased in recent years, thanks to local efforts to encourage more volunteers to take part and to mentor those who take on a 1-km survey square for the first time. In time, this will increase the number of species for which we can calculate trends for Wales. Many thanks to all involved.” Dr Siân Whitehead, Natural Resources Wales’ Terrestrial & Freshwater Ornithologist, said, “This research will make sure that we’re making key decisions based on sound evidence, such as the importance of ensuring these wild bird populations have access to suitable habitat at all stages in their lifecycle. It’s not just a question of providing suitable sites for nests, but we are also making sure that birds can find enough food in both the breeding and non-breeding seasons.” Stephen Bladwell, RSPB Cymru’s Biodiversity Manager, said, “Like many of our farmland wildlife, these colourful little characters remain a key concern. Being a predominantly seed-eating bird about the size of a sparrow, shelter and food is vital for their continued survival. Thankfully, research has shown that there are ways of providing seed food throughout the colder months, as grass fields are left to set seed over the winter. Combined with the protection of hedgerows and diverse habitats such as ffridd this can make a real difference, helping to ensure the high pitched song of the Yellowhammer - often likened to ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ - is enjoyed for years to come.”

The Marsh Local Ornithology Award was presented to Dr Jim Cassels of Arran Natural History Society (ANHS) yesterday evening (30 October) by Professor Ian Newton, BTO Chair, and Jo Winyard and Professor Bill Sutherland, on behalf of The Marsh Christian Trust. In nominating Arran Natural History Society for the Marsh Award for Local Ornithology, Dawn Balmer, UK Coordinator for Bird Atlas 2007-11, reflected upon the commitment of the Arran Natural History Society and Dr Jim Cassels’ personal drive. During the early stages of the national Bird Atlas project, Jim Cassels persuaded the Arran Natural History Society to attempt a more-detailed local breeding and wintering atlas of the birds of Arran, despite having only a handful of keen bird surveyors available to support the work. To complete the project, Jim and the ANHS engaged the whole community on Arran, encouraging people to submit records for the Atlas. They did this by writing regular articles for the local weekly paper the Arran Banner, giving talks and building special atlas pages on the Arran birding website. Visitors to the Island were persuaded to contribute records. Bird walks were organised to give local people valuable fieldwork experience and to build their confidence levels. Nearly 700 people submitted records for the Atlas, between them achieving complete coverage of the 139 tetrads (2-km squares) on Arran over five winters and five breeding seasons. Jim Cassels has been the Atlas Regional Organiser for Bird Atlas 2007–11, coordinating fieldwork and undertaking validation of records on the Isle of Arran. The project is now in the writing and map production phase, again led by Jim. The Arran local Atlas will advance the knowledge of the status of breeding and wintering birds on Arran and will provide an important baseline against which to measure change in the future. Dr Jim Cassels said, I was delighted to accept the Marsh Award for Local Ornithology on behalf of the Arran Natural History Society. It was a most unexpected yet welcome accolade, a fitting tribute to all who had contributed to this work. BTO Director, Dr Andy Clements said, We have been delighted to work with local birdwatching groups during the Bird Atlas 2007-11 project. The achievements of the Arran Natural History Society, and Jim Cassels in particular, should not be underestimated. This is tough terrain in which to look for birds and we are inspired by the coverage that has been achieved. The Marsh Local Ornithology Award is made to a bird club or group that publishes a book, completes a study or conducts any other exceptional activity that advances knowledge about birds. Images are available for use alongside this News Release. Please contact images@bto.org quoting reference 2013-42 The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews. Please contact us to book an interview Office: 01842 750050