Farm's nature-friendly methods yield record

A Lincolnshire farmer has witnessed the largest flock of grey partridges he has ever seen on his land. Colin Chappell counted a covey of 26 birds last week while working in an oilseed rape field, a number he describes as a significant shock given that a group of 12 is typically considered large.

Chappell attributes this success directly to a nature-friendly farming approach implemented on his farm. He believes the burst of partridges is sign of years of specific habitat management designed to support the birds through their lifecycle.

Creating a lifeline for chicks

The strategy focuses first on providing food for vulnerable chicks. This year, the farmer planted specific field margins to encourage insects like sawfly larvae, crickets, weevils, and ground beetles. These insects form the entire diet of grey partridge chicks during their first two critical weeks of life. The same food source also benefits yellowhammers.

For older birds, the approach includes adding millet to overwinter cover crops. The millet seed provides a nutritional boost for the adult partridges. "The idea is to create a mosaic of habitats that connect through the landscape," Chappell writes in his Country Diary for the Guardian.

A natural defence for crops

Following recent rainfall, the farm has begun drilling its cash crops alongside companion plants that offer natural protection. The oilseed rape is being planted with three specific companion crops.

Through the winter, this combination of plants aims to provide almost complete ground cover. This protects the growing crop from pigeons, which Chappell says can "laser focus in on any gaps."

Reducing pesticide reliance

The farm's methods extend to other crops with an eye on reducing chemical inputs. Next, the farmer will plant barley crops that are tolerant to barley yellow dwarf virus. This virus is spread by aphids and its impact is worsened by mild winters.

Because the barley is tolerant, Chappell says he can forgo insecticide applications. He can let natural predators feast on the aphid pests, knowing that even if predator numbers cannot keep up, the risk to his crop yield is minimal. The sight of 26 grey partridges, where red-legged partridges only ever appear in pairs, suggests these methods are benefiting more than just the crops.