End of line for London skylarks?
UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR CAPITAL’S POPULATION OF THE NATIVE BIRDS
AS flocks of us head to London’s parks for our daily exercise during lockdown, the native wildlife populations are facing unprecedented problems.
The skylark, which can be found in specific areas of Richmond and Bushy Park in the South West of London, faces an uncertain future because of more visitors to the parks.
The birds make their nests in grasslands, which makes them vulnerable to being trampled on or dogs disturbing them.
The species is truly remarkable, they are streaky brown birds with a white-sided tail.
It is known for its display-flight, where it continues to sing throughout its time in the air.
They are slightly larger than a sparrow.
During the lockdown, more people are walking off paths which means visitors are straying into the protected habitats.
Simon Richards, the Park Manager of Richmond Park, outlined just how busy they have been.
“Richmond Park has been busier than we have ever seen it before – with recent visitor numbers greater than a ‘normal’ Spring Bank Holiday weekend.”
He explained that without immediate action, “this species may be lost from the park forever”.
Whilst the bird is not endangered internationally, the number of skylarks in the UK has dropped dramatically since the 1970s.
This is believed to be as a result of a change in agricultural practices which impact the species’ diet.
The Royal Parks Twitter page has reminded visitors of the current locations of skylark nests.
It says they are located on the “Lawn Field between Pen Ponds & White Lodge, Crown Field between the sports pitches and White Lodge/Bone Copse”.
“In these areas please stick to paths and keep dogs on a short lead so we can give them the best chance to breed.”