FARMERS in Angus and Fife have been credited with an increase in the population of corn buntings, after farms in these areas introduced winter seed food and other forms of positive management to their businesses.

Previously, in Eastern Scotland, numbers of the species fell by 83% between 1989 and 2007, meaning they were the fastest declining birds in Scotland. Now, the number of the species' territories has increased by 18%, from 62 to 73, on farms that participated in the initiative, and the birds have also recolonised areas where they have not been seen for years.

In total, 14 local farmers in the East Neuk estates group, made up of six estates in total, committed to help with the recovery of the corn bunting population, using a combination of agri-environment scheme options, voluntary action and upgraded greening measures.

Overall, 34 farms, as well as the East Neuk Estates Group are currently involved in the Corn Bunting Recovery Project, in two of the last corn bunting strongholds. East Neuk Estates group member, Edward Baxter, commented: "This year’s large increase in corn bunting numbers, and the range expansion, shows the positive effect of collaboration over a wider area through the involvement of large estates."

Hoping to continue the positive increase, corn buntings will now have access to safe nesting spaces, winter seed food and summer insect food for chicks to consume within a mile of their breeding territories, in Angus, from this year onwards.

RSPB conservation adviser, Yvonne Stephan, who also helps to run the project, said: "I am delighted about the positive developments for corn buntings and am constantly astounded by the enthusiasm and passion of the wonderful people that work on this project.

"Without their hard work and generosity in going above and beyond, corn buntings would have a bleak future. It just shows what we can achieve working together with farmers, estates and other partners and what an immense difference it can make whenever people join forces."

The latest farmer to join the project in Angus, Neil McEwan, explained: "We are very happy to start working alongside the RSPB Scotland, and other local farmers by filling in the last food gap for the corn bunting in Angus.

"These birds were in rapid decline in the area, but thanks to all the corn bunting management in the region, as well as Yvonne and her team, we have seen them stabilise."

As well as this, The Links Trust and the Kingsbarns and Fairmont golf courses have joined the project as new partners and RSPB hopes that more farmers, land owners and other partners will get on board in 2017 to ensure the species' recovery continues.