Bird Aid
Information about Bird Aid
Background
Bird aid is targetting three key species - Treesparrows, Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings at various bird aid sites around West Oxfordshire. These seed-eating birds have declined since farming practices have changed. Birds used to feed on seeds in the stubble fields over winter before ploughing in the spring, BUT fields are now ploughed immediately after the harvest.
Can you sponsor a bag of seed? If so, please complete the form here and send your donation to Bird Aid, Friends of Wychwood, at the address top right of this page. The cheque should be made payable to the Friends of Wychwood. Every donation will be acknowledged.
Your financial support is needed now to keep the feeding stations going.
- To feed one tonne of millet (1 year supply) costs £540 or £10 a bag
- To feed one tonne of corn (1 year supply) costs £200 or £4 a bag
- A tonne of seed feeds up to 1000 birds a year.
- £500 will set up a new bird feeding station and will pay for seed, seed bins and bird feeders.
- £700 per year will keep the existing feeding stations supplied with seed.
The Ditchley Estate has continued to support three sites by providing two tons of tailings (left over seed and small grain). However, the other sites have been supported by the generosity of the Friends of Wychwood and two key individuals who have paid for grain themselves. Bird Aid sites in West Oxfordshire desperately need funding to allow the current feeding stations to continue and new ones to be opened.
Over the past 8 years, with funding from TOE (Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment) and the Friends of Wychwood, Louise Spicer has organised 10 feeding stations on local farms. 20 volunteers distribute seed at these sites throughout the winter from October to early May. With valuable advice from RSPB, this venture has successfully attracted lots of Yellowhammers and on 3 sites even scarce Tree Sparrows and Corn Buntings. Other birds taking advantage of the winter food at the feeding stations are: Blackbird, Bullfinch, Brambling, Collared Dove, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Linnet, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Robin, Reed Bunting, Rook, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Stock Dove.
To read about the RSPB Bird Aid project please click here. Other organisations involved are the Ditchley Estate, RSPB, Oxford Ornithological Society, and the Friends of Wychwood.
To find out more about the issues affecting farmland birds and conservation Chris Packham discusses these on his latest TV programme which can be viewed here - 30 May 2011.
Bird Aid sites in West Oxfordshire
There are bird aid sites in Charlbury, Chipping Norton, Over Norton, Hailey and Crawley. Other sites at Enstone, Finstock, Fawler and Witney have been tried but have not been successful for various reasons.
Bird watchers would be very welcome at some of these sites. At present there about 20 volunteers but these are mainly involved in actual feeding - more bird watchers are needed from November to end of April. In addition, people are needed to count birds on site. If you would like further information on how to get involved with these tasks please contact the number below.
If anyone wants to set up a feeding station in the Project area they are very welcome, and advice and support can be given but there is currently no funding for purchasing grain at present.
For further information please call the Wychwood Project office on 01865 815423.
Printable version
