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Wednesday 23 January 2008 17:20
Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (National)

Bird registration is retained

A decision to retain and modernise the bird registration scheme in England was announced today.

Controls on the keeping of birds will be directed at those native bird species whose conservation status would be most at risk from being taken from the wild for commercial activities.

The revised scheme will introduce proportionate regulation. Those bird species considered not at risk will be removed from the scheme and unnecessary burdens placed on responsible bird keepers lifted.

Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change and Biodiversity, explained at a Westminster Hall debate this afternoon;

"I have given the future of the Bird Registration Scheme a great deal of thought over the last few months and am very pleased that we will be retaining the scheme in England for a limited number of birds.

"It is my belief that bird registration should only be targeted at those species, where taking them from the wild would affect their conservation. We will work to simplify administrative procedures for obtaining permits under CITES and Bird Registration to ensure minimum burdens on keepers."

Alongside the changes to species on the scheme, we will look at complimentary measures to protect native birds from being taken from the wild, and will look at streamlining the registration of species that are on both the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the bird registration scheme.

Complimentary measures which will be examined will include:

-Whether more stringent sales controls are required to protect certain species removed from the scheme.

-Discussions with the appropriate bodies on the effectiveness of using more CITES single transaction certificates for the species removed.

Notes to Editors

1. Registration of birds of prey and certain other bird species held in captivity is required under section 7 of the Bird Registration Scheme under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Birds that need to be registered with Defra are listed on schedule 4 to the Act. http://defraweb/wildlife-countryside/gwd/pdf/Sched4Birds.pdf

2. Defra undertook a review of registration under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England, Scotland and Wales. The consultation started on 1st November 2006, and closed on 16 February 2007.

3. The consultation showed that currently the scheme does have a use as an enforcement tool if it is focused at the bird species with the smallest wild populations. However there was little evidence that the Bird Registration Scheme continues to be a useful conservation tool.

4. Since the consultation closed, the European Commission has prohibited the importation of wild birds into the EU. Therefore, the Government believes that non-native birds do not need to be registered as they can no longer be imported into the EU.

5. There are 59 species of birds that currently need to be registered with Defra if they are kept in captivity. The list can be found at http://defraweb/wildlife-countryside/gwd/pdf/Sched4Birds.pdf

6. We will work with devolved administrations to ensure there is a consistent approach to the Bird Registration Scheme across Great Britain

7. Single transaction certificates are valid only for the named holder in the country where the specimen is located. Any new owner would need to apply for a new certificate in order to use a specimen commercially.

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On the weekend of the 26-27 January 2008, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place. It's the world's biggest bird survey and the RSPB's biggest event of the year!

Last year over 400,000 people took part by counting the birds in their garden for an hour. It's really simple to do so you don't have to be an expert and it gives the RSPB a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter. Over a period of just one hour, participants are asked to record the highest number of each bird species seen in their garden (not flying over) at any one time. Then all you do is note them on the counting sheet provided and send it in to us. Our scientists can then use the information and patterns in bird numbers to help prioritise our bird conservation work.

Find out more on the Big Garden Birdwatch web site.

The chance to seek out the enigmatic corn bunting at Burnham Wick Farm in Burnham-on-Crouch has proven irresistible to many across Essex. RSPB guided walks on the 20 January to look for these special birds were booked up within days of being advertised.

Farmland bird species such as the corn bunting have declined by a massive 88% over the last 30 years. Essex remains as one of the last strongholds of these nationally scarce birds.

Agnes Rothon, People Engagement Officer for the RSPB said, ‘The corn buntings rotund appearance was actually the reason that the famous character Billy Bunter was named as he is. Even though these birds are of the rounder variety, a single male corn bunting has been known to hold court over harems of up to ten females! It must be the characterful buntings key-jangling song and spitting chip-pan call that woos the ladies.’

The increase of intensive agriculture over recent years has meant that there is little room for corn buntings to flourish nationally. A combination of a lack of safe nesting habitat, food for chicks throughout the breeding season and seed food for hungry adult birds in the winter has caused a dramatic loss of this species from many of its former strongholds.

Nevertheless, farmers such as Martin Smith of Burnham Wick Farm in Essex are making positive steps to ensure that corn buntings are provided for on their land and try to halt the decline of this rarely seen species.

Simon Tonkin, RSPB Farmland Advisor for the region said, ‘It’s great to see farmers like Martin taking steps to ensure habitat is created for farmland birds and witness the results of the imaginative work that is already being done on his farm. Simply planting special nectar rich crops to entice insects for corn bunting chicks in the spring and leaving plots of unharvested crops for adults to feed on in winter has seen great results at Burnham Wick farm.’

Alex Nichols, spokesperson for Natural England has further praise for Martin’s work to improve his farm for wildlife, ‘The farm at Burnham Wick has been in an agri-environment scheme for over 15 years. The schemes have provided financial support and advice to protect and enhance the diversity of wildlife and the rich historic environment at Burnham Wick farm.’
Alex continued, ‘Birds such as the corn bunting have been a key focus in these schemes. Mr (Martin) Smith has been a superb participant in our schemes and has carried out the management on his farm with great attention to detail and regular monitoring of success.’
Farmland bird friendly land management practices to help birds like the corn bunting can be funded through the governments Environmental Stewardship Schemes whilst the RSPB directly assist and support farmers like Martin who wish to incorporate this type of management.
For more information about the RSPB, future events in your region and how to become a supporter of the charity please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/ or call 01603 697581.

Notes:
1) For more information and interviews please contact: Agnes Rothon on 01603 697 581.
2) High resolution images of corn buntings and wildlife friendly farms are available for use.
3) Two guided walks are being held on the 20 January. The first starts at 10.30 am and the second starts at 2 pm. To reserve a place on a guided walk please phone 01603 697520 and state whether you would prefer to attend in either the morning or the afternoon.
4) Burnham Wick Farm is home to over 50 species of bird. Visitors will be in with the chance of seeing birds of prey such as merlin and marsh harrier, watching wetland waders on Martin’s specially designed ‘scrape’ and finding out about the many other farmland bird species that can be seen.
5) Directions to Burnham Wick Farm:
From the centre of Burnham on Crouch turn right on to Orchard Road then take a left on to Wick Road. Turn right on to Ramblers Way. The farm is called Burnham Wick Farm. Once at the farm please follow signs for car parking.
A train station serves Burnham on Crouch. The farm is a 1 mile walk from the station.
6) The walk shall follow footpaths but this terrain can be uneven. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing suited to winter weather.
7) These walks are part of the RSPB’s Aren’t Birds Brilliant initiative. This scheme offers people the chance to see and learn about birds close to them at free events run by RSPB experts. In the East of England, this scheme is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.