Environmental Statement volume 4 - Chiltern Evergreen3

There were four UK BAP species. These were skylark, dunnock, linnetand yellowhammer.5. Northfield Farm (SP 516 133)This survey area included the River Cherwell from the A41 to the RiverRay confluence and the largely arable farmland on either side. Theriver is lined with deciduous trees.In this area the survey recorded a total of 52 bird species of which atleast 41 were considered to breed.Two Schedule 1 and Annex 1 species, red kite and kingfisher, wererecorded. Up to two red kites were noted foraging overhead on twovisits but there was no suggestion of local breeding. Kingfisher wasregularly noted flying along the river and a pair was likely to breedclose by.Breeding BOCC Red List species included skylark (4 pairs), song thrush(3 pairs), starling (2 pairs), house sparrow (5 pairs) and yellowhammer(3 pairs). Lapwing was also noted (20 roosting in June) but no evidenceof breeding was noted. However, attempts could have been madebefore the start of the survey period.There were eight UK BAP species. These were lapwing, skylark,dunnock (3 pairs), starling, house sparrow, bullfinch (2 pairs),yellowhammer and reed bunting (1 pair).Other species of note included little egret (up to 2 on two visits) whilecommon buzzard and kestrel bred and sparrowhawk may have done sobut evidence was inadequate.6. Middle Farm (SP 507 127)This area is largely arable farmland although there is a large, willowfringedpond just west of Middle Farm buildings and ponds on bothsides of the railway at the Middle Farm crossing.A total of 38 bird species was recorded in this area of which at least 31were considered to breed.One Schedule 1 and Annex 1 species, red kite, was noted foragingoverhead on one visit but was not breeding locally.Breeding BOCC Red List species included lapwing (one pair), skylark (2pairs), yellow wagtail (one pair), song thrush (1 pair) andyellowhammer (3 pairs).ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENTF2-15CHILTERN RAILWAYS