Drastic action is needed to halt the decline of Britain's woodland birds. Star reporters Sarah Dunn and Ben Spencer found out more about a new grants scheme launched to protect the bird 'hotspots' of South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire
A WALK with the dog, a secret den while playing out with your friends, or just a breath of fresh air.
The woodland that surrounds us in South Yorkshire and the Peak District has many uses – and we're certainly spoilt for choice living in an area o
f Britain with one of the highest percentages of woodland cover in the country.
But the woods are also nationally important hotspots for birds, and a new grants scheme launched this week is aiming to try and stem their decline.
The UK's woodland bird population as a whole has fallen by 20 per cent in the last 25 years and some species, such as the Lesser Redpoll and Willow Tit, have crashed by more than 90 per cent since 1970.
Experts say much of this decline has been caused by changes in the structures of the woodlands – things like the age and diversity of tree species, and long-term under-management of the areas.
But there are things which can be done to help, and The Forestry Commission, in partnership with the RSPB, believe a new grants scheme can turn the situation around.
Work funded through the new initiative will include preserving dead trees to provide nest sites, creating glades and scrubby areas favoured by many species, and coppicing and thinning trees.
The most threatened species will be monitored to see what difference woodland management makes.
Underpinning the project is the Bird Conservation Targeting Project, an ambitious scheme which has identified breeding "hotspots" for certain species. These locations will be used to target help where it is most likely to produce results.
Nigel Rylance, from the Forestry Commission, said: "Species like Wood Warbler are evocative parts of our wildlife and we must do all we can to improve their fortunes.
"South Yorkshire is one of the most wooded parts of the county, with trees covering 7.4 per cent of the total land area. About one third is also ancient woodland – an incredibly valuable habitat for birds.
"The Peak District is also a key area for this project.
"What we need now is for land managers to come forward and work with us to secure the future of these wonderful birds."
Chris Tomson, from the RSPB, said: "Woodland owners and managers can now manage woodlands to benefit these declining birds without affecting the overall timber production.
"This funding can really make a difference by ensuring that otherwise expensive woodland management work is viable again."
- For further information about the grants, contact the Forestry Commission on 01904 448778.
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