§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many(a) farm birds and (b) wild birds have been spotted on (i) special projects and (ii) non-special projects land in each region in each of the last 10 years. [93744]
§ Mr. MorleyThere is no routine year-on-year monitoring of birds on Countryside Stewardship special projects. However, there are some data available regarding those special projects that are specifically targeted at particular bird species. For example a report published by RSPB in 2001 showed cirl buntings had increased by 83 per cent. on land under Countryside Stewardship scheme agreements, compared with an increase of only 2 per cent. on non-agreement land.
At present, only provisional results for regional bird data are available. Indicators have been developed based on on-going research by RSPB/BTO on behalf of DEFRA. These provisional estimates show that between 1970 and 1999 the Woodland species population index increased in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the number, East Midlands and the West Midlands. The woodland species population index declined in the East, South East and South West regions. For the five regions where estimates are available, the Farmland species population indices decreased over the period. More detailed information is available on the Government's sustainable development website http://www.sustainable-development.aov.uk/indicators/reaiona1/2001/h13.htm