A THIRTY-FIVE year slump in the number of farmland birds has been halted and there are signs that woodland species are staging a recovery.

The breakthrough was disclosed yesterday when figures showed that the number of birds breeding in Britain has risen 6 per cent since 1995 and 10 per cent since 1970. The biggest rises were in garden, wetland and sea birds.

Populations of farmland birds are about 60 per cent lower than in 1970 but, to the relief of conservationists, numbers appear to have stabilised. There are 10 per cent fewer woodland species than in 1970 but their numbers have risen 6 per cent since 2002. Specialist birds in woods, gardens and farmland give most cause for concern as they are less able to cope with habitat change.

The figures for 113 common species were compiled by the RSPB and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Ian Pearson, the Environment Minister, said: “The steady increase in the all-species indicator is encouraging, but we cannot afford to be complacent.

“There is still cause for concern, particularly with birds like the grey partridge, linnet and corn bunting, whose numbers have declined dramatically.”

Statistics began to be collected in the 1970s as part of efforts to halt the 200-year decline in bird numbers. Environmental farming initatives jointly subsidised by the Government and the European Commission are believed to be the main factor behind the latest improvements.

The halt to the general decline of farmland birds was particularly welcomed, having slumped by almost half from 1977-93. Kestrels, tree sparrows and reed buntings are among the species to have benefited.

The government report said: “Of those (farmland) species that have experienced major declines over the last three decades some, such as grey partridge, turtle dove and starling, continue to decrease.”

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “The long term decline in farmland bird populations has clearly slowed. However . . . it is vital that predicted cuts in agri-environment funding are avoided.”

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