Skylark fencing project to continue in Warwick

Following the end of a three-year trial in 2023, protective fencing to safeguard breeding Eurasian Skylarks in Warwickshire will be installed again this year.

Trials over the last three years at St Mary's Lands in Warwick showed a rise in numbers of ground-nesting birds, particularly skylarks, returning to the fields each year. 

As a result, Warwick District Council has reinstated temporary protective fencing around an area known as the Lammas Field from 26 February until the end of August.

The public right of way will be kept open throughout this period. All visitors and their dogs are being asked to stay out of the restricted areas.

Eurasian Skylark is Red Listed in Britain (Tony Fothergill).

Keeping dogs and people away

The continuation of the bird-protection scheme for a further two years was approved by the Council's Cabinet on 8 February and follows the recommendations of an ecologist who has monitored the site for the last three years.

Councillor Will Roberts said: "Ground-nesting birds at St Mary's Lands include two species that are of conservation concern. The most recent surveys conducted on the site show clear evidence that the fencing we have put in place since 2021 has benefitted the skylark breeding population in particular, with the birds adapting to the new undisturbed conditions.

"We want to thank the public, in particular dog owners for their continued understanding and support while the temporary barriers are in place and also for all the positive feedback we have received about this ongoing project."

Sensitive spcies

Eurasian Skylark is particularly susceptible to disturbance during the breeding season due to it being a ground-nesting species – an issue heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw more people visiting green spaces. 

However, last year's Breeding Bird Survey results encouragingly showed a slight increase in the last five years in parts of England, following a long-term decline.