New targets reflect the slow recovery of wild grey partridges

In 1995, because of the sharp population decline of wild grey partridges, this iconic farmland bird was given priority under the Government's UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). At the time the plan aimed to stabilise grey partridge numbers by 2005 and ensure that the breeding population was above 150,000 pairs by 2010.

Since then it has become increasing clear that many of the original BAP targets for a number of species were unachievable because of ongoing population declines or delays in recovery.

In response, the Government has recently carried out its first full review of UK Biodiversity Action Plans and agreed a revised set of targets for a wide range of species, including farmland birds such as grey partridge, turtle dove, skylark, song thrush, linnet, bullfinch, tree sparrow, corn bunting and reed bunting.

As lead partner for grey partridge recovery, The Game Conservancy Trust has been consulted by the Government to revise the targets for grey partridges. The new targets are to achieve 90,000 breeding pairs by 2010 (from a base of 65,000 in 2005), 120,000 pairs by 2015 and 160,000 pairs by 2020.

The new targets are now broken down by country (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) and also include targets for increases in range.

Dr Nicholas Aebischer, Deputy Director of Research said, "The original targets for the grey partridge were set before we were appointed lead partner for the grey partridge BAP. However, we were pleased to be part of the recent consultation process and see these new targets as much more realistic and achievable."

Our native grey partridge is one of Britain's bird species that has declined most over the last 40 years. Dr Aebischer says, "Partridge recovery is not going to happen overnight, particularly in unmanaged areas. However, where farmers and landowners are carrying out positive management, such as creating nesting and brood-rearing habitats, increasing food supplies and protecting nests from predators, then grey partridges are responding well."

To boost partridge recovery across the country in order to meet the new targets, the Trust is urging farmers and land managers to join its Partridge Count Scheme to help roll back the national decline. The scheme is free and involves just a few hours per year counting partridges on farmland (even if there are just a few partridges present). In return the Trust offers extensive advice on habitat and other management techniques and disseminates practical information through regional grey partridge groups, which are now running in most areas of the country.

For information, please visit the Trust's website: www.gct.org.uk/partridge or telephone Neville Kingdon on 01425 651066.