A new study published today shows that sowing a green manure seed mix in autumn can provide safe places for Corn Buntings to nest while improving soil condition on farms.

RSPB Scotland is now calling on the Scottish Government to include autumn-sown green manure in future agri-environment schemes as soon as possible.

Once widespread across the UK, Corn Buntings have suffered huge declines particularly in East Scotland where numbers plummeted by 83% between 1989 and 2007. This earnt them the unfortunate accolade of being one of Scotland’s fastest declining species. Work by farmers in Fife and Angus has dramatically improved the fortunes of this bird there. By growing wild bird seed mix, farmers have provided the three key things Corn Buntings need: seed for food in winter; insects to feed their chicks in spring; and, safe nesting sites.