The use of set-aside land for game conservation.

Abstract

A major motivation for landowners, farmers and estate managers to sympathetically manage land under their stewardship is the conservation of game. Set-aside land, if correctly managed has the potential to provide holding cover, nesting cover and brood-rearing areas for gamebirds within the arable landscape. Management options within the various existing and proposed set-aside schemes are reviewed and assessed for their potential as habitats for gamebirds. Changes to the management recommendations are suggested to improve the potential of surplus arable land for game.