Dartford Warbler
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Government cutbacks could harm bird populations
September 01, 2010
Berkshire's countryside could suffer from government cuts.
Bird charity RSBP has issued the warning because it fears its Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, which supports farmers and landowners who help the environment, could fall victim to the cutbacks.
The charity says the South East has seen some of the country’s biggest declines in farmland bird populations.
Farmland advisor Bruce Fowkes said: “Schemes to support farmland bird species are underpinned by access to agri-environmental schemes such as HLS.
“Any cuts to the HLS budget would seriously hamper efforts.
“In Berkshire it could mean a reverse in fortunes for birds such as corn bunting, grey partridge and lapwing.
“Many farmers in Berkshire have been doing fantastic work for wildlife and the environment through agri- environment schemes over the past decade, and it is feared this may now be at risk.”
He said if the HLS scheme was slashed contractors, suppliers and local shops would suffer because much of the HLS money gets spent locally.
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