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This page contains - A report to Magdalene Fields Golf Club and Berwick Borough Council by Berwick Wildlife Group - July 2006

COMMON BIRDS CENSUS MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF COURSE ROUGHS BERWICK UPON TWEED April to July 2005 A report to Magdalene Fields Golf Club and Berwick Borough Council by Berwick Wildlife Group July 2006

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following 9 members of the Group took part in the field work: Leslie Cook, Malcolm Hutcheson, John Inglis, Chris Kanefsky, Robert Maddox, Sue Maddox, Jim Sim, Margaret Williams and Gill Young. Chris Kanefsky led visits A, B and F; Sue Maddox led visits C, D and E. John Inglis, as a member of the golf club, liaised with the secretary, Malcolm Lynch, who readily gave permission for the survey to go ahead. Craig White, Berwick Borough Council’s LA 21 Officer, provided the aerial photographs essential to produce map coverage of the course. Leslie Cook and Sue Maddox analysed the results for Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit, producing draft maps of territories present. Sue Maddox also drafted a species account for Meadow Pipit. Jim Young produced the base map of the course showing the distribution of roughs, fairways and greens, adapted for our purposes by Fiona Aungier. Chris Kanefsky drafted the report, Fiona Aungier wrote the Discussion and "The Future" and edited the final document. Page 2

INTRODUCTION During spring 2005, a six-visit Common Birds Census survey (CBC) was undertaken by volunteers from Berwick Wildlife Group under the supervision of Chris Kanefsky, a founding member of the organisation and formerly a professional field ecologist. The work grew out of the interest of two Group members in the golf course roughs, areas of coarse grassland known to be used by ground nesting birds such as Reed Bunting, Skylark and Meadow Pipit. While reporting on the findings of an initial botanical investigation of the area (Kanefsky & Aungier, 2004), it was noticed from an oblique aerial photograph on the clubhouse wall, that the roughs were at that time cut for hay. This last took place in August 1992 (M. Lynch, pers. comm.). A detailed survey was required to investigate which areas of species richness had survived the current lack of mowing and to suggest any measures that might be appropriate to protect and enhance the remaining wild flower populations and increase wildlife diversity. It soon became apparent that such a study should follow an initial survey of the use of the roughs by ground nesting birds. Funding, all of which was spent on essential large-scale digital air photos, was granted as part of Berwick Borough Council's remit for biodiversity work. Map 1 gives an overview of the distribution of rough grassland on the golf course shown in relation to the greens. Page 3

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METHODS Using an abridged version of Common Bird Census standard methodology, (Marchant, 1983; Bibby et al., 2000), 6 visits of around 2 hours duration were made to the site. Visit Date Duration Weather A April 29th 05.49 – 08.10 sunny, strengthening SW breeze B May 13th 05.35 – 08.00 sunny and warm after overnight frost C June 13th 06.35 – 08.45 overcast, cool, blowing damp D June 21st 06.30 – 08.30 overcast, still E June 29th 06.30 – 08.15 overcast, cool F July 14th 05.15 – 07.10 overcast, still All records by sight or sound of bird activity, termed registrations, were entered onto field maps prepared at a scale of 1: 2500. These maps were photocopied acetate tracings of recent digital aerial photographic coverage, purchased with the £350 budget for the project. Six A4 map sheets covered the whole of the course, plus the dune grassland area to the south, above which a Skylark had been seen singing in early April. After transferring visit data to species maps, one set of 6 for each of our 3 ground-nesting birds, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting, territories present were then identified. A pencil line was drawn around clusters of registrations according to the following rules: bird song birds seen carrying nest material birds seen carrying food alarm calls male birds fighting all count towards a confirmed territory. At least 2 territorial registrations, out of the 6 visits, constitute a confirmed territory. Only 1 such record can constitute probable breeding, if accompanied by other adjacent, non-territorial records. A bird heard singing on a single visit without supporting records is scored as possible breeding. The most useful record in determining territories are birds counter singing (two males singing at each other). Other registrations which refer to birds foraging on fairways, greens and tees were discounted for territory analysis purposes. Page 5

RESULTS NUMBER OF TERRITORIES Species Confirmed Probable Possible Skylark 14 0 2 Meadow Pipit 9 6 5 Reed Bunting 1 5 2 Table 1. Breeding territories on Magdalene Fields Golf Course in 2005 (For explanation of "confirmed", "probable", "possible", see p.5 above). The distribution of territories around the site is shown on Maps 2 - 4. Skylark. (See Map 2, p8). Of the 14 confirmed Skylark territories, 7 were recorded at the north of the course centred on the blocks of rough which flank and separate holes 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 1 territory was on the boundary with the set-a-side field immediately to the north. 2 possible territories were recorded either side of the path from the Jingling Bridge, where large areas of rough occur on both sides. Areas of rough between the clubhouse and the Covered Way had 2 confirmed Skylark territories, by the 18th hole. To the south, the roughs next to holes 14, 16 and 17 supported 3 more Skylark territories. At the extreme south of the study area, were 2 more confirmed Skylark territories associated with the dune grassland and the area of rough grass to its immediate north, near the 16th tee. Meadow Pipit. (See Map 3, p9). Meadow Pipit song is less strong and not as continuous as Skylark’s, which may help to explain the lower proportion of confirmed territories for this species. There were 2 confirmed, 4 probable and 3 possible Meadow Pipit territories in the northern sector, with a bias towards the coastal fringe. The area between the clubhouse and the Covered Way had 2 confirmed Meadow Pipit territories. Below this were 2 possible territories. The major concentration of Meadow Pipit territories was found alongside the 16th fairway extending down to the dune grassland at the southern end. Here were 5 confirmed territories and 2 probable ones. Reed Buntings. (See Map 4, p.10). Reed Buntings have a curious short, little song (see Appendix 3) and while a good sample of records were obtained for this species, few were territorial resulting in just 1 confirmed territory and 5 probable ones. There were also 2 possible Reed Bunting territories. For example, a pair of birds was regularly seen in the rough to the east of the 16th green but no song was heard there. Page 6

Most of the Reed Bunting sightings were near the coast, particularly on the cliff top roughs to the east of the 3rd fairway, and also further south, by the Coast Watch tower and the 16th tee. Page 7

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EVALUATION The conservation status of the species recorded breeding in the roughs are as shown. SPECIES BBWC BoCC RED DATA UK BAP N’LAND BAP Skylark High Red Listed Short List . Meadow Pipit Medium Amber . . . Reed Bunting High Red Listed Middle List Priority 2 Table 2: Species of Conservation Concern at Magdalene Fields BBWC - Breeding Birds Of The Wider Countryside BoCC - Birds Of Conservation Concern RED DATA - Red Data Book For Northumberland UK BAP - United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan N'LAND BAP - Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan These criteria are explained in more detail in Appendix 4, p 16. Although Skylark may be under greater threat nationwide (Bailie et al, 2001; Mead, 2001), perhaps the most important local species present was Reed Bunting. Only 450 pairs were estimated to be breeding in Northumberland in 1992 (Johnston,1995) compared to an estimated county Skylark breeding population then of 7 – 12,000 pairs As with other seed-eating farmland birds, the decline in Reed Bunting numbers is thought to be due to loss of winter feeding opportunities from the switch to winter cropping, the lack of stubbles and tidying up of farmland (Peach et aI.,1999). Small flocks roam in search of food in winter but males tend to be fairly sedentary, moving no more than 5 km between summer and winter quarters (Richardson, 2003). Since the late 1960s, this species has extended its range into drier habitats, including oil seed rape fields, (Mead, 2000; Peach et al. ,1999). Oilseed Rape is one of the most important breeding season habitats for Reed Buntings in lowland Britain, providing a relatively rich source of seed and invertebrate food and possibly protection from nest predators. Page 11

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DISCUSSION The survey started at the end of April but only one visit was possible in May (perhaps the peak time for Common Bird Census work in lowland habitats). There were three visits in June. It is difficult to say whether this irregular recording made a significant difference to the results; there was abundant Skylark song, a medium amount of Meadow Pipit song and a paucity of Reed Buntings actually recorded in song. This latter species is a late breeder; first broods being started in the first half of May and the second Reed Bunting broods fledging in the 1 week of August (Mead, 1999; Burton et al., 1999). The survey concentrated on the three species which most commonly nest on the golf course, but other birds are thought to breed here – Stonechats by Little Beach, and Sedge Warblers in the scrub at the edge of the railway by the Jingling Bridge and the tree-fringed grassy triangle to the south, and in Dodd's Well. Atkinson et al (2005) examined the relationship between birds' use of lowland grassland, food resources (mostly seeds and invertebrate animals) and sward management (cutting or grazing height, fertilizer application, structure of vegetation). They found that the abundance of some groups of invertebrates (adult beetles, beetle larvae, spiders, caterpillars, bugs, sawfly larvae) increased with sward height, although earthworm numbers were higher in short-cut, intensively managed fields. Despite this, many species of birds preferred to feed on short grassland, probably because a dense sward and deep litter layer meant the invertebrates were not readily accessible to foraging birds. Skylarks, however, prefer fields with seeding grasses (Perkins et al, 2000) and broad-leaved plants (McCracken & Tallowin, 2004). Meadow Pipits, too, prefer a longer sward (Atkinson et al, 2004). Poulesen, Sotherton and Aebischer (1998) and Wilson et al (1997) discuss the importance to Skylarks of a sward with a variety of broad-leaved plants, and a variety of heights of vegetation, to encourage a range of plant-eating invertebrates and so resulting in a range of prey which is available to nestlings throughout the breeding season. Brickle and Peach (2004) examined nesting success in Reed Buntings and concluded that tall rank vegetation was essential as predation of nests was a major problem. This research is mostly borne out by the pattern of bird distribution on Magdalene Fields Golf Course. Redshank, Oystercatcher and Starling are often seen feeding on the short grass areas but the Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Reed Buntings favour the roughs. From Map 5, showing the confirmed, possible and probable territories of all the three bird species studied in 2005, there is also a suggestion that these birds prefer the more floristically varied roughs nearer the sea (where the harsher conditions reduce the vigour of the more aggressive grass species and the sward is more mixed). However there may be another reason for this distribution, such as less disturbance. Page 13

THE FUTURE As discussed above farmland birds are under threat as a result of changing agricultural practise, so the non-farm habitats used by these species are becoming relatively more important, at least at some times of year. "Provision of modest quantities of these habitats will benefit farmland birds" (Fuller, 2004). The Golf Course and adjacent playing fields provide plenty of short grass, but the condition of the roughs has been changing since haymaking ceased in 1992. Many roughs at Magdalene Fields contain few broad-leaved plants. They are dominated by coarse tussock-forming grasses such as Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and False-oat Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), typical of uncut grassland on fertile soils. Compare, for example, the patch of longer grass north of the Clubhouse and adjacent to the Spades Mire road, part of which was short grass until a few years ago and which is now longer and full of wild flowers, with the long-unmanaged, species-poor grassland in the rough to the west of the 12th hole. Return to a more varied sward through introduction of a cutting regime would not only benefit the birds, but other wildlife (plants, insects) and increase the attractiveness of the area. Exactly which areas should be cut to increase wildlife diversity, how short, how often and so on is difficult to determine. Recommendations for cutting vary from several cuts each year (Taylor, 1995) to two cuts in three years (Newlands and Roworth, 2000), but all authors agree that it is vital that all cuttings are removed from the site to reduce fertility of the soil. Since the results of cutting are to some extent unpredictable, small experiments would be ideal initially. To protect nesting birds it is important that cutting is carried out outside the breeding season, i.e. between August and March. It also seems sensible to start with roughs other than those most used by nesting birds and other than those (mostly near the sea) which are still of considerable botanical interest. Areas for this experiment might include the tops and banks of the Covered Way, the tussocky rough by the 12th green, and part of the "Middle School Triangle" by the 11th hole. (Here the tall vegetation by the railway line and school fence should be left to encourage Reed Buntings and Sedge Warblers). Areas at the edges of these roughs might be cut on a simple regime based on recommendations of a number of authors (Taylor,1995, Newlands and Roworth, 2000 and Toms, 2006) and adapted to take account of the ground-nesting birds: an initial cut in March, weather permitting, a further cut in August of the same year, the next cut the following August and a third year uncut. All cuttings must be removed to decrease the fertility which encourages the coarse grasses. The effects of the cutting should be monitored. Berwick Wildlife Group would be very willing to help with this. Once it is known how some roughs at Magdalene Fields respond to cutting, a more ambitious scheme could be put in place if desired. Page 14

APPENDIX 1 SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Status: Resident and winter visitor from North and Central Europe. Conservation: Red listed 60% English population decline from 1967 – 2002 Numbers breeding: UK 900,000 pairs Northumberland 7-16,000 pairs. A small buffish brown bird with a short crest; the upperparts have broad blackish-brown streaks; the underparts are lighter. The breast is streaky. A white-edged tail and whitish trailing edges to the wings. Plumage the same in both sexes. Habitats Originally steppe birds, Skylarks favour open country including farmland (mixed/arable), coastal dunes, salt marshes and moorland. They avoid isolated trees and tall hedges. Song A loud, prominent song flight to a high level, advertising the territory. The distance a male sings from the nest depends on territory size and the length of song too; the bigger the territory the longer the male sings. Song averages 2 - 3 minutes. Taking off silently at an angle into the wind, Skylarks burst into song 10 - 20 m above the ground with a steep spiralling ascent to 20 - 100 m. Then the male hovers/circles above his territory. The descent is a series of slow spirals with open wings while still singing. This stops usually 10 - 15 m above the ground then the bird drops like a stone. Fine days encourage song flight to go higher. Diet Insects in spring and summer; weed seeds and cereal grains are important in winter. Breeding Nests on ground often by grass tuft, in vegetation typically 10 - 40 cm in height; the nest of grass stems and leaves is hard to find. In winter wheat, second nesting attempts by tramlines as by then the crop is otherwise too high. 2-3 broods of 3-5 eggs, from April to July. Survival rates on farmland are very low due to predation. Vital Statistics Eggs: 3 – 5 Incubation: 11 days Fledging: 18-20 days Length: 18 -19cm Wingspan: 30-36cm Weight: 26-50g Page 15

APPENDIX 2 MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Status: Resident but many go south in the winter as far as the Mediterranean. Conservation: Amber listed 25-50% population decline since the mid 70s. Numbers breeding UK 2 million pairs Northumberland 15-30, 000 pairs (1992). A small, brown, streaky bird with white outer tail feathers and brownish legs. Dog walkers around the golf course will be familiar with their sharp call, a “pseep” or “pseep pseep pseep”. In behaviour it is rather like a wagtail when busily hunting for insects on the ground and also in the weak undulating flight. Habitats In spring and summer found on upland moors and most kinds of rough open country including bogs, heaths, salt marshes and sand dunes. In autumn when upland British birds move south and south west to less harsh quarters, large numbers of winter visitors from higher latitudes arrive along the east coast. Together with our winter resident Meadow Pipits, these can often be seen on the shoreline at Berwick and on the Tweed estuary strandline zone e.g. Yarrow Point. Often they roost in long grass or reed beds. Song A delightful parachuting territorial song flight which may start from the ground or a perch. The male climbs up to about 30 metres then with fanned tail cocked, wings sharply angled back and legs hanging loosely it drops to the ground singing an accelerating song which ends in a melodious trill. Diet Meadow Pipits feed on insects - flies, beetles and moths - and spiders, with some plant seeds eaten in autumn and winter. Most food is taken on the ground, but they can also fly catch in mid air although prey is not pursued. Breeding A cup nest of grass, lined with finer grasses, is made on the ground, often hidden in a grass tussock or under the edge of a boulder. 3 to 5 eggs are laid, with 2 broods from April to July. The female incubates and the nestlings are fed by both parents, which continues at the fledgling stage. Then most young birds are independent within 3 weeks. Vital Statistics Eggs 3-5 Incubation 11-15 days Fledging 10-14 days Length 14.5 cm Wingspan 22-25 cm Weight 15-22 gm Page 16

APPENDIX 3 REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Status: Resident; some Scandinavian birds may winter in Northumberland. Conservation: Red listed; 62% population decline in 1974-99. Numbers breeding: UK 240,000 pairs Northumberland 450 pairs (1992) Small, slim and sparrow-sized, with a long notched tail and white outer tail feathers. Male has a striking black head, white collar and cheek stripe, whitish below. Female duller, buff below with streaks on breasts. Flight jerky, often low; hops and runs on ground; flicks wings and opens tail. Habitats In spring and summer its favourite sites remain reedy areas with some shrubs for song posts. But a tidier, more intensively farmed landscape had seen it move into drier habitats, mainly from the late ‘60s when the population was at a high. Can nest in oil-seed rape fields where 2 broods do better where the crop is sprayed with a desiccant rather than mechanically cut pre-harvest. Winter: affected by the loss of stubbles and vulnerable to hard weather. Ranges widely in small flocks with other seed eating birds; comes to gardens. Fairly sedentary especially the males, who stay near the breeding territory. Song Males advertise their presence from the tallest song post available, ranging in height from an umbellifer stalk to overhead wires. It is a short, curiously simple song - a run of 2 to 5 wheezy notes, quickly repeated. Diet Adults feed mainly on seeds e.g. farmland weeds. They do take invertebrates during the summer. Chicks are fed invertebrates. Breeding Cup nest of grass and moss: on or near the ground, often hidden in a grass tussock, nettle bed or bush. 3 to 5 eggs are laid, with 1-2 broods from May to August. The female incubates and the nestlings are fed by both parents, which continues at the fledgling stage. Most young birds are independent within 3 weeks. Vital Statistics Eggs 4-5 Incubation 12-15 days Fledging 10-13 days Length 15.0 – 16.5 cm Wingspan 21-28 cm Weight 16-25 gm Page 17

APPENDIX 4. CONSERVATION STATUS Explanation of table 2, Species of Conservation Concern. SPECIES BBWC BoCC RED DATA UK BAP N’LAND BAP Skylark High Red Listed Short List . Meadow Pipit Medium Amber . . . Reed Bunting High Red Listed Middle List Priority 2 BBWC - Breeding Birds Of The Wider Countryside. This is based on the survey of population status of common terrestrial birds carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), using data collected from volunteers using Common Bird Census and Breeding Bird Survey techniques. The data are presented in various ways but, for example, between 1978 and 2003 in England there was a 59% reduction in Skylark numbers, 43% reduction in Meadow Pipit records and a decline of 40% in Reed Bunting numbers. See www.bto.org/birdtrends2005/index.htm BoCC - Birds Of Conservation Concern. The Population Status of Birds in the UK, Birds of Conservation Concern 2002 – 2007 has been compiled by a number of leading governmental and non-governmental organisations (see www.rspb.org/Images/Bocc2_tcm5-44622.pdf ). Birds are given Red (globally threatened or rapidly declining UK population), Amber (unfavourable conservation status in Europe or moderate population decline or restricted population in UK), or Green (none of these) status. RED DATA - Red Data Book For Northumberland. This is an annotated list of flora and fauna "of conservation concern" in Northumberland, written by Lisa Kerslake and published by the Natural History Society of Northumberland. Skylark and Reed Bunting are listed. UK BAP - United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan is the government's response to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity at Rio (see www.ukbap.org.uk ). Stage 1 simply recommends potential species and habitats for priority listing, based on scientific criteria – they are globally threatened or rapidly declining in the UK. The difference between the short list and medium list is only that the longer (medium) list species still need to have action plans produced, but they are already in place for other (short list) species. N'LAND BAP - Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan. Each local Biodiversity Action Plan works on the basis of a partnership to identify local priorities and determine the contribution they can make to the delivery of the National targets. On this basis Reed Bunting has been identified as a Priority 2 species in Northumberland because it is in sharp decline here (see www.northumberland.gov.uk/drftp/5532.pdf ). Page 18

REFERENCES ATKINSON, P.W, Fuller, R J., Vickery, J.A., Conway, G.J, Tallowin, J.R.B., Smith, R.E.N., Haysom, K.A., Ings, T.C., Asteraki, E.J. & Brown, V.K.(2005). Influences of agricultural management, sward structure and food resources on grassland field use by birds in lowland England. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42, 932 – 942. ATKINSON, P.W., Buckingham, D. & Morrs, A.J. (2004). What factors determine where invertebrate-feeding birds forage in dry agricultural grasslands? Ibis, 146, 99-107. BAILLIE, SR., Marchant, J.H., Crick, H.Q.P., Noble, D.G., Balmer, D.E., Beaven, L.P., Coombes, RH, Downie, L.S., Freeman, SN., Joys, A.C., Leech, D.l., Raven, M.J., Robinson, R.A. and Thewlis, R.M. (2005) Breeding Birds in the Wider Countryside: their conservation status 2004. BTO Research Report No. 385. BTO, Thetford. (www.bto.org/birdtrends ) BANKIER A. M. (1995) Meadow Pipit. In Day J.C.; Hodgson M.S.; & Rossiter B.N. The Atlas of Breeding Birds In Northumbria. Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. BIBBY C.J., Burgess N.D. & Hill, D.A. (2000) Bird Census Techniques, 2nd edition. Academic Press, London. BOWMAN G. & Hodgson M. (2001) Birds In Northumbria 2000. Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. BRICKLE, NW & Peach, W.J., (2004). The breeding ecology of Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniculus in farmland and wetland habitats in lowland England. Ibis, 146, 69-77. BURTON, N.H.K., Watts, P.N., Crick, H.Q.P. & Edwards, P.J. (1999) The effects of pre-harvesting operations on Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus nesting in Oilseed Rape Brassica napus. Bird Study, 46: 369-372. DAY J.C.; Hodgson M.S.; & Rossiter B.N. (1995) The Atlas of Breeding Birds In Northumbria. Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. DONALD P. (2004) The Skyark. Poyser, London. FEIGE, D. (Ed.)(2000) Working For Wildlife. The Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan. The Northumberland Biodiversity Steering Group. Northumberland County Council, Morpeth. FULLER, R.J., Hinsley, S.A. & Swetnam, R.D. (2004). The relevance of non-farmland habitats, uncropped areas and habitat diversity to the conservation of farmland birds. Ibis, 146, 22-31. Page 19

GREEN R.E. (1993) Skylark in Gibbons D.W., Reid J.B. & Chapman R.A. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988 - 1991. Poyser, London. GRUAR, D., Barritt, D. & Peach, W. J. (2006) Summer utilization of Oilseed Rape by Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus and other farmland birds. Bird Study, 53: 47-54. JOHNSTON A.J. (1995) Reed Bunting in Day J.C.; Hodgson M.S., & Rossiter B. N. The Atlas of Breeding Birds In Northumbria. Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. KANEFSKY C. & Aungier F.A. (2004) National Vegetation Classification Survey of proposed caravan site extension at Magdalene Fields Golf Course. Unpublished report to Berwick Golf Club. KERSLAKE, L. (Ed.) (1998) Red Data Book For Northumberland. Nat. Hist. Trans. Northumbria, 58,2: 39-322. MARCHANT T. (1983) BTO Common Birds Census Instructions. BTO, Tring. McDOUGALL L. (1992) Skylark in Day J.C.; Hodgson M.S.; & Rossiter B.N. The Atlas of Breeding Birds In Northumbria. Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. McCRACKEN, D.I., & Tallowin, J.R., (2004). Swards and structure: the interactions between farming practices and bird food resources in lowland grasslands. Ibis, 146, 108-114. MEAD C. (1999) Focus on the Reed Bunting. Bird Table 17 - Spring 1999. MEAD C. (2000) The State Of The Nation’s Birds. Whittet, Stowmarket. NEWLANDS C. & Roworth P. (2000) Managing the ‘roughs’. enact 8:1 16- 17. PEACH W.J., Siriwardena G.M. & Gregory R.D. (1999). Long-term changes in the abundance and demography of British reed buntings Emberiza schoeniclus. J. Appl. Ecol. 36: 798-811. PERKINS, A.J., Whittingham, M.J., Bradbury, R.B., Wilson, J.D., Morris, A.J. & Barnett, P.R. (2000). Habitat characteristics affecting use of lowland agricultural grasslands by birds in winter. Biological Conservation 95, 279. POULSEN, J.G., Sotherton, N.W. & Aebischer, N.J. (1998). Comparative nesting and feeding ecology of skylarks Alauda arvensis on arable farmlane in southern England with special reference to set-aside. Journal of Applied Ecology, 35, 131-147. PRYS-JONES R. (1993) Reed Bunting. In Gibbons D.W., Reid J.B. & Chapman, R.A. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988 - 1991. Poyser, London. Page 20

RICHARDSON M. (2003) Reed Bunting. In Day, J. & Hodgson, M. (2003) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Northumbria. Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club, Newcastle. TAYLOR R.S (1995) A Practical Guide to Ecological Management of the Golf Course. BIGGA & STRI, Bingley. TOMS, M. (2006). Love your lawn. Bird Table, 46, 12-13. BTO/CJ Garden Birdwatch. TOBIN R. & Taylor R. (1996) Golf and Wildlife. British Wildlife 7: 3 137-146. WILSON, J.D., Evans, J., Browne, S.J. & King, J.R. (1997). Territory distribution and breeding success of skylarks Alauda arvensis on organic and intensive farmland in southern England. Journal of Applied Ecology 34, 1462-1478. WOOLFALL S. (1993) Meadow Pipit in The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988 - 1991. Poyser, London. Page 21

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