Breeding Bird Surveys – Howgill Fells

Client – National Trust/Foundation for Common Land

Key Services – Species Surveys

Duration – Spring and Summer 2022

Project Overview – Breeding bird surveys within the Howgill Fells near Sedbergh, Cumbria

Ecological Input – Haycock and Jay Associates were commissioned to undertake breeding bird surveys on three areas of gorse scrub within the Howgill Fells near Sedbergh, Cumbria.

The surveys aimed to target yellowhammer and other Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) including bullfinch, linnet, reed bunting, whinchat, spotted flycatcher, song thrush, mistle thrush and cuckoo. A total of five visits were undertaken between April and July 2022.

An additional visit was also made to the site following compilation of the breeding bird data to advice on habitat management strategies for the sites to improve their suitability for breeding birds.

Outcomes – Five of the target species were recorded, in addition to 20 other species using the site during the survey visits.

Using the data recorded a breeding bird survey report and territory maps were produced alongside the habitat management strategies.

A short presentation was also produced and delivered during a meeting of the commoners and other relevant parties which graze and manage the Howgill Fells.