On course to save a bird on the edge

Over the past forty years, the wild grey partridge - one of Britain's most iconic farmland bird species - has been in rapid decline. Grey partridge numbers have plummeted by more than 80% and, tragically, because of habitat loss and a reduction in essential chick food insects, they have become locally extinct in many areas of the country.

For more than four decades, Britain's leading wildlife research charity, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has been researching and developing innovative techniques that are helping to halt this decline. As part of this campaign to save this once common bird, the Trust is now running two one-day grey partridge re-introduction courses in the north of England. Being held in October, the training is aimed at landowners, farmers and gamekeepers, who are keen to see this bird flourish once again on their land.

This ground-breaking course, which is based on a two-year research project, will provide practical advice on the best methods of re-establishing a wild grey partridge population in areas where it has either disappeared completely or where it is just hanging on in very small numbers.

The events, run in conjunction with Perdix Wildlife Supplies Ltd, involve a combination of presentations and practical sessions covering habitat management, predation control and rearing and releasing methods. Both days will be run by Dr Roger Draycott, head of the GWCT's Advisory department, leading grey partridge biologist Dr Francis Buner, and Dr David Butler from Perdix Wildlife, a game biologist who has been rearing grey partridges using systems specifically designed for re-introduction projects.

Based on sound science and practical experience, the course will benefit anyone interested in increasing numbers of grey partridges on their farm. The courses have been popular with game managers and conservation organisation alike. Duncan Mackenzie, Headkeeper at Clune and Corrybrough Estate, an attendee at one of the recent courses in Scotland, commented: “The course really was a success. It was very interesting, educational and enjoyable. It has certainly boosted the enthusiasm around this glen. I think everyone locally agreed that they had learnt something new. If only all courses were like that!”

Dr Roger Draycott from the GWCT explains the importance of attending this course. “Wild grey partridges were once common across the country, but like many farmland birds they have suffered a sustained decline over the past forty years. Although re-introducing these birds is not for the faint-hearted, our course will demonstrate the ‘art of the possible’ and should help to inspire people to restore their partridge populations in order to ensure the continued health of this much-loved bird.”

The first day will be held on Wednesday 1 October at Raisthorpe Manor, North Yorkshire from 10am to 3.30pm, by kind permission of JSR Farms, Haywold and Raisthorpe Manor. The following day, Thursday 2 October, will take place at the George Hotel, Piercebridge, Durham, by kind permission of Nicholas Wilson. Both days are sponsored by GSC Grays and Kings. Each day costs £25 per head. For further information, or to book a place, please contact Lynda Ferguson at lferguson@gwct.org.uk or call 01425 651013.

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Photocaption: The GWCT has been researching and developing innovative techniques that are helping to halt the catastrophic decline of the wild grey partridge. Photocredit: Peter Thompson, GWCT.

Notes to editors:

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) – 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 and we lobby for agricultural and conservation policies based on science. 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 Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse. For Information, contact: Morag Walker – Head of Media, Telephone – direct-dial: 01425-651000. Mobile – 07736-124097    www.gwct.org.uk

Wild Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

1. Often considered an icon of Christmas, the ground-nesting  wild grey partridge has suffered a huge decline over the past 40 years.  Once a familiar species across the country it is now largely limited to the eastern half of the country.  It particularly favours more open countryside with few trees and is most often found out on stubbles.  In late winter it benefits greatly from supplementary feeding through either hoppers or by spreading grain along tracks.
2. The grey partridge, Perdix perdix is the only native partridge to England. It is a classic bird of    traditional arable farmland and has the highest clutch size of any English bird, laying up to twenty eggs. It has a distinctive plumage of grey, orange and brown.
3. Where land managers are following the conservation advice and   recommendations provided by the   GWCT such as providing supplementary food, protection from predators and year-round habitat management that provides nesting, brood rearing and over-winter cover, grey partridge numbers  can improve rapidly.
4. Despite bad years in 1954 and 1972, breeding success in 2012 was the worst since GWCT records began in 1933 under the Partridge Count Scheme.  However, this summer (2014), conditions have been perfect for partridges and their young broods.  It is hoped that counts in the autumn will show an encouraging upturn.
5. The GWCT’s Partridge Count Scheme was set up in 1933 and encourages farmers to manage and    conserve grey partridges on their land, using best practice examples and providing advice based on eighty years of GWCT research. Many other farmland species benefit from this management approach too.  Joining the scheme is free and members will receive lots of useful advice and publications, as well as an opportunity to join a local partridge group.