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Abstract
We describe an exercise, the production of a species action plan, which utilises components of both transmission mode and experiential learning. This exercise brings together students and a professional role model to promote a stronger engagement with aspects of local biodiversity management. We outline perceived benefits and outcomes of the exercise in the context of a professional ecologist, a student participant and a course tutor, all of whom agree that the completion of the task is a valuable learning opportunity.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Dr Raymond Goulder, Dr Lisa Scott and two anonymous referees, all of whom suggested useful amendments to draft versions of this paper.
Appendix 1 Species Action Plan produced by Mr James Spencer
Chaffinch — Fringilla coelebs
Current status
The Chaffinch is a medium sized songbird, distributed widely across the UK at all but the highest elevations (CitationCramp, 1994). It is reliant on stands of trees for breeding and flourishes in deciduous and coniferous woodlands. Latest estimates using the Common Bird Census (CBC) (Website 1) put the population estimate at nearly 6 million breeding pairs. The New Bird Atlas (CitationGibbons et al, 1993) gives a population estimate of 5.4 million breeding pairs. It is unclear whether there is any real change in numbers as the previous atlas has a population estimate of 7 million breeding pairs (CitationSharrock, 1976) and yet CitationCramp (1994) suggests that the population actually increased in this period due to the maturation of coniferous plantations. It is a widespread and increasing species in Europe especially in the north of its range with an estimated 230 million pairs occurring (CitationHagemeijer and Blair, 1997). Large numbers of birds from the near continent and Fenno-scandia winter in Britain giving an estimated winter population of 30 million individuals made up of approximately half British Fringilla coelebs gengleri, and half continental F.c. coelebs, birds (1986).
The Chaffinch is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (Website 2), The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (Website 3)
Current factors causing loss or decline
There are no mentions of population declines in any of the modern atlases except the New Atlas which suggests that a range contraction on some of the Hebridean islands is due to deforestation (CitationGibbons et al., 1993). It is assumed that any local population declines are due to loss of trees as there has been no research into the cause of local declines.
As the British wintering population is made up of large numbers of immigrant birds from the continent it is appropriate to note that these birds feed more markedly on stubble fields than British breeders. Recent changes to the set aside laws are potentially disadvantageous in this respect as stubble fields become suboptimal (Website 5) but the impacts of these law changes aren’t apparent at this stage.
Current action
No specific action is currently undertaken to promote population increase in Chaffinches. Would benefit from any woodland conservation as makes up 1/5 — 2/5 of the woodland bird community (CitationCramp, 1994). On the ‘Green List’ as population has not declined by more than 10% in the last ten years (Website 6).
Action Plan Objectives & Targets
In the short-term, to prevent any decline & promote population growth so that the Breeding Birds Atlas 2007–11 shows no decline (Website 8).
In the long-term, to see an increase in urban areas as they are regenerated. Manage existing woodlands in a sensitive manner to prevent rapid deforestation and clear felling ensuring that the population remains stable (monitored with CBC).
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation - Take into account Chaffinch populations when redeveloping woodland. Propose improved management of woodland sites in urban areas using Local Biodiversity Action Plans (Website 7). Liaise with partner countries within the EU Birds directive (Website 4) to monitor any proposed control schemes used on Chaffinches that winter in the UK but breed abroad (none at present for UK wintering population).
Site safeguard and management - none proposed.
Species management and protection - none proposed.
Advisory-Ensure that land owners are aware of the status of this and other woodland species and how this should affect the way they manage their woodland.
Future research and monitoring - Ensure that regular population monitoring occurs using the integrated scheme from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB, especially the breeding bird survey and common bird census. Investigate nesting densities in different types of woodland to establish importance of differing habitats. Monitor numbers of wintering Chaffinches using ringing recoveries and Bird Atlas fieldwork to ascertain the impact of the removal of set-aside legislation.
Communications and publicity - Promote a change in perception of wild plants as a food source for wintering passerines rather than as weeds. Use the male Chaffinch as a figurehead bird to promote replanting of woodland. Encourage feeding the birds to the public.
Links with other action plans
None at present although linking to any future species action plan for Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla, would be advised.
References
- CrampS. (1994) The Birds of the Western Palaearctic — Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Volume VIII — Crows to Finches. Oxford: Oxford University Press
- GibbonsD.W., ReidJ.B. & ChapmanR.A. (1993) The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain & Ireland: 1988-1991. Frome: T & AD Poyser
- HagemeijerJ.M. & BlairM.J. (1997) The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds — Their Distribution & Abundance. London: T & AD Poyser
- LackP. (1986) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain & Ireland. London: T & AD Poyser
- SharrockJ.T.R. (1976) The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain & Ireland. Calton: T & AD Poyser