FARMERS could be paid for feeding starving birds during the winter months under a new initiative.

Farmland birds such as grey partridge, tree sparrow, yellowhammer, reed bunting and corn bunting have declined by 70 per cent since 1970. This is despite the introduction of agri-environment schemes which pay farmers to put in a range of wildlife-friendly measures on their holdings.

Many of these species share similar dietary preferences and it is suspected that changes in agricultural practices are a significant factor in the decline of these breeds. Modern farms have far fewer insects and weeds than they did four decades ago as a result of increased use in the number of herbicides and pesticides.

A study by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust is trying to discover how much of a help supplementary feeding would provide.

“Time is running out for many farmland birds and we need action right now,” said Peter Thompson, Farmland Biodiversity Advisor with the GWCT.

“We believe this study will help and that farmers will get the support and advice they need to put this measure in place. Farmland birds will then have a much better chance of survival during the leanest months of the winter.”

Feeding trials are taking place on farms in Goole, East Yorkshire, Down Ampney in Gloucestershire and Ashby St Ledgers in Warwickshire, all managed by Britain’s largest farmer, the Co-Operative Trust.

Mr Thompson added: “We believe that it is vital for the recovery of farmland birds that supplementary feeding either through pheasant hoppers or spreading grain on the ground is included as an option under stewardship schemes and the Government is largely in agreement.

“However, before this happens they want us to clarify a number of points in order to maximise the success of this option.”

The GWCT’s previous research on its project farm showed that farmland bird numbers were two-and-a-half times higher in years when additional grain was provided through pheasant feed hoppers than years without. An important aspect of the trial is to develop ways of ensuring that species which do not need help, such as pigeons, crows, pheasants and squirrels, get not benefit from supplementary food.

“Farmland birds are a species in decline so anything to help reverse that trend is to be welcomed,” said an RSPB spokesman.