Watch: the objective of wild bird cover

There are approximately 10,000 farmers taking the wild bird cover action in GLAS. A very significant area of land (approximately 20,000ha) will be dedicated to wild bird cover in total this year. These small mature crops were very noticeable during the winter – making up unharvested patches in the corners of fields dotted around the country. Most crops had established well last year due to favourable weather conditions but unlike other cereal crops they were not harvested when ripe. They were left intact in the fields. This is because wild bird crops have a far different role to play than traditional crops. Most farmers chose this action in their GLAS plans because it meant they would receive priority access to the scheme and, additionally, the payment for the action was enticing at €900/ha. There is a clear purpose for sowing the crop and the action was made enticing for a reason.

What’s the objective?

The objective of the crop, according to the Department of Agriculture, is to provide a food source and winter cover for farmland birds and other fauna. “This unharvested crop is a giant bird table for seed eating birds,” according to Catherine Keena from Teagasc. She said that seed-eating birds such as the linnet and yellowhammer have been in decline because agricultural modernisation has made it more difficult for these birds to find food.

“Farms have become more intensive and specialised, and tillage has been lost in many counties,” said Catherine. To further reduce the availability of seed in fields, modern combine harvesters have improved precision reducing the availability of seed on the ground after harvesting. Catherine said that the GLAS crop mix with two seed sizes is designed especially to cater for a variety of birds. Birds such as the linnet feeds on small linseed or kale seed, while others such as the yellowhammer prefer larger seed such as oats, wheat or barley.

She said the crops play a broader role and don’t just cater for birds but are also a ready-made habitat for other wildlife.

“They provide cover for small mammals such as hedgehogs and mice, who in turn are a food source for birds of prey such as owls and kestrels,” explained Catherine. Flowers in wild bird cover attract pollinators and insects which provide food for birds and bats. There has been some negative press about the crops since their establishment regarding the presence of vermin such as rats.

Catherine believes that while local incidences are a problem, this has not been a major issue and says reports were largely exaggerated.

“Vermin such as rats will forage in wild bird crops but are eaten by predators. A pair of barn owls can take up to 25 rodents in a single night during the breeding season,’’ she said.

What to do with the crop now?

Farmers already participating in GLAS I and II, who choose the wild bird cover action, will be preparing to remove last year’s crop and establish a new crop this year. After 15 March, livestock are allowed on to the area where the wild bird cover is sown to break down the trash to clear the way for sowing again. One reason why livestock should not be allowed in now is where problem weeds such as docks, thistles or ragwort need to be sprayed.

Now is the ideal time to spray, if needed. Where livestock are not available for the decomposition of trash, some farmers will use a topper or mower to do the task. Farmers who sowed kale last year on one half of a wild bird cover plot should make sure it remains untouched this year. The kale should be re-sown in years three and five and remain in-situ in years two and four. We will cover the sowing of wild bird cover in the near future.

Buying seed for the new crop

Farmers sowing wild bird cover again this year should consider buying in seed now to avoid disappointment if supplies come under pressure before the 31 May sowing deadline.

Seed companies have reported very low supplies of native oat seeds due to last year’s difficult harvest. This is worrying because, according to Catherine, for heavy or acidic soils a mixture of oats and linseed are the best option for good establishment.

On-farm prices generally range from:

John Howard from Sunnyside Fruit in Co Cork has developed a new seed mix especially for GLAS. He claims the mix will not be as attractive to crows and rats because he has omitted oats, barley and wheat.

The mix contains 75kg of triticale, 7.5kg of linseed, 5kg of mustard and 0.5kg of phacelia. This seed comes in a 22kg bag which covers 0.25ha and costs €40/bag or €160/ha.