The status of breeding Woodlarks Lullula arborea in Britain in 2006

Capsule There have been marked increases (88%) in the breeding population and breeding range (46%) of Woodlarks in Britain between 1997 and 2006. Aims To provide an accurate assessment of the population and distribution of Woodlarks in Britain and how these have changed since a survey conducted in 1997. Methods Survey coverage included ‘core’ 1 km squares (known occupancy in 1997) and a stratified random sample, based on suitable habitat and soil type. Results A population estimate of 3064 territories was obtained, giving an increase of 88% since 1997, while the range of occupied 10 km squares had increased by 46%. The majority of territories were associated with two main habitat types; heathland (66.7%) and forestry plantation (32.4%), and farmland in the southwest (13.4%). Sandy soils held the majority of territories (80.3%). Conclusion In the UK, the Woodlark is a species of high to moderate conservation concern subject to a national Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This survey demonstrated that the pop...