INSECT WEEK 2022: Buzzing endorsement for new wildlife mix: insect numbers boosted by grey partridge conservation measures

A new habitat measure developed by scientists from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to boost the fortunes of the beloved, red-listed grey partridge, is proving a big hit with insects too.

The new PARTRIDGE flower cover crop seed mix has been developed by GWCT researchers working on the NSR PARTRIDGE project and is designed as an alternative to the UK’s Wildbird Seed Mix (WBM). It is based on years of research across Europe into the ideal combination of plants to maximise biodiversity and provide cover and insects as food for grey partridge chicks. In insect sampling studies carried out by GWCT ecologists, the PARTRIDGE mix, which is available through Wildlife Plots, was the best wild bird seed mix in the UK for insects, both in quantity and variety of species.

Steve Moreby from the GWCT’s Farmland Ecology Unit said, “Both first- and second-year plots contained more of the key grey partridge chick food insects when compared to other mixes. This looks to be a very promising mix.”

Researchers also looked at insect numbers at 10 other English sites where the existing Wildbird Seed Mix, which is designed to provide cover and winter food for grey partridges and other farmland wildlife, had been planted. They found very low insect numbers – far below the Chick Food Index (CFI) of 0.7 required for grey partridge success.

Dr Francis Buner, GWCT senior conservation scientist, who co-designed and trialled the new seed mix at the GWCT’s Rotherfield demonstration site in Hampshire, in collaboration with Oakbank Game and Conservation, said:

“Many of the wild bird and pollinator mixes currently available are limited in what they can deliver. They often contain less than 10 species of plant, predominantly non-natives which die after a hard frost in the first winter, leaving a monoculture of kale, or when the kale has failed, virtually nothing. As a result, they usually need to be re-established at least every other year, leaving a big gap with no cover, food or shelter in spring and into early summer.

“The new mix consists of almost 30 species of plants, 19 of which are native to Britain. It is not only pleasing to the eye, but provides the best possible habitat for insects, grey partridges and other farmland wildlife.”

GWCT researchers also looked at insect numbers in other habitat measures for grey partridges being used at the Rotherfield demonstration site: arable margins (cultivated uncropped field margins) and extended overwintering stubbles, comparing the number of insects in these habitats to those in winter wheat. In line with other farms sampled across the UK, winter wheat at Rotherfield contained very low insect numbers, well below the required Chick Food Index (CFI) of 0.7.

In contrast, all three non-crop Agri-environment scheme (AES) measures at Rotherfield, including the PARTRIDGE Mix, arable margins and extended overwintered stubbles, delivered average insect numbers (CFIs) above 0.7.

“The PARTRIDGE Mix appears to contain considerably higher insect numbers than standard Wildbird Seed Mix, indicating its usefulness for biodiversity in general and grey partridge chicks in particular,” commented Francis. “Based on these results, Defra has included the PARTRIDGE Mix in their ELMS trial scheme under the name ‘Wildlife Plot’. We encourage everyone to test this promising new mix and request it as an AES option when it is available.”

More information can be found at www.gwct.org.uk/govplots .

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust gwct.org.uk – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies.

The GWCT is the lead partner in the NSR PARTRIDGE project - an international partnership bringing together grey partridge researchers with land managers across northern Europe who dedicated to providing the best-quality habitat for grey partridges

The grey partridge is one of Europe’s fastest declining bird species - numbers have plummeted by 95% since 1970. The decline is thought to be largely due to the intensification of agriculture, causing the loss of much of the habitat where it feeds and shelters from predators and the weather. Considered a ‘barometer of the countryside’, the grey partridge is an indicator of arable farmland eco-system health and biodiversity: where grey partridges thrive, other wildlife will follow.