Regional farmland species indices
[The National Statistics release of regional birds species trends has been discontinued from 2011 onwards, as a result of resource constraints and changes in regional governance. The latest published release covered trends up to 2008, published in 2010. However, the statistical releases drew upon results from the Joint BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey and some regional analysis will continue to be published as part of the Breeding Bird Survey. If you have any comments or queries relating to the discontinuation please contact us via enviro.statistics@defra.gov.uk]
Between 1994 and 2008, the population index of farmland wild birds for England fell by 11 per cent.
Why is this important – Bird populations are considered to be a good indicator of the broad state of wildlife and the countryside because they occupy a wide range of habitats and tend to be near the top of the food chain.
Changes in farmland bird populations by region:England, 1994-2008
- Between 1994 an 2008, the regional farmland bird indicator showed a decline of more than 10 per cent in the South East, the East Midlands, the West Midlands and the South West.
- Comparisons between regions should be treated with caution because each regional indicator covers different species.
Data download
No further updates confirmed
Biodiversity Indicators in Your Pocket 2010
Breeding Bird Survey
Government policy on wildlife and biodiversity
