Drivers of songbird territory density in the boundaries of a lowland arable farm

Conventional farming in the UK has had adverse effects on farmland biodiversity, particularly during post-war intensification of agriculture. Efforts have been made reversal these effects, with much literature reporting a mixture findings. At localised scale, efforts noticeable RSPB Hope Farm observing 200% increase bird territory numbers from 2000 to 2012, achieved wide implementation agri-environment schemes (AES) farm. We aimed investigate spatio-temporal drivers density four hedgerow specialist species using thirteen year (2000–2012) dataset management, in-field cropping and field boundary habitat records. Territory maps were used calculate counts for each across time period. Generalised Linear Mixed Models model variable. These findings demonstrate that Emberiza citrinella , Carduelis cannabina Sylvia communis presence oilseed rape (OSR) is strong predictor higher numbers, leading doubling compared absence OSR. However, tree hedgerows was negative species. Opposing trends observed chloris which exhibited significantly greater roadside hedgerows, hedges trees when adjacent fields not sown main crop. Management weak S. territories. This demonstrates crop type, AES features, location are numbers. validate usefulness more sustainable, wildlife-friendly under previous CAP rules important implications post-Brexit policy, such as Agriculture Bill. • Songbird modelled hedgerow-related land-use management variables Oilseed positive driver specialists, driver. Trees, uncropped significant greenfinch TD. Hedgerow land use around