FARMERS - HUNGRY GAP
Feeding Farmland Birds :
Higher Level Stewardship scheme
" The Hungry Gap" December/ January to March/April
The reason for the hungry gap is primarily that there is simply not enough natural food in our countryside today, but also not enough sown bird food patches. We know very well that UK bird numbers swell through winter migration from colder climates moving to and through the UK so there are more mouths to feed.
In years gone by winter food came from open grain stores, many more livestock farms throughout the country, and all these cattle required feeding and this was traditionally supplied through feeding concentrates, hay and silage and so on, there were also more weedy crops and stubbles. But with tighter control on grain stores and huge changes in farming practises there is now a shortage of readily available food during the hungry gap.
Despite years of trying there seems to be no suitable mix or plant species that fill the hungry gap, generally January to April. Most plants shed seeds readily, that’s what they are designed to do, and the ones that don’t (eg fodder radish) are opened by birds and eaten. These plants tend to run out of seed supply in December / January and new natural spring food will start around April time.
Gamekeepers are familiar with supplementary feeding and this basic principal is now being adopted within stewardship schemes. The research that was carried out by CEH (Centre of Ecology and Hydrology), BTO (British Trust of Ornithology) and WFC (Wildlife Farming Company) has lead to new options under ELS and HLS to supplementary feed in winter for farmland birds. These new options came in on the 1st January 2013 and are available to agreements that started on or after 1st February 2007.
We supply bespoke wild bird seed mixtures to farms throughout the country, herewith are some examples of mixes available.
Hungry Gap Mix 1 Price on application
Re cleaned Wheat 600 Kg, Whole Oats 140 Kg, Yellow Millet 20 Kg , Canary Seed 30 Kg, Linseed 75 Kg , Sunflower Hearts 10 kg, Red Millet 15 Kg, Oil Seed Rape 50 Kg. Black Sunflower Seeds 60 Kg
Hungry Gap Mix 2 Price on application
A few customer references.
Cotswold Grass Seeds Direct are happy to recommend Well Fed Bird's Hungry Gap mixes.
Growing bird seed mixes together with supplementary feeding over the winter "Hungry Gap"(Jan-Apr) is arguably the best way to support farmland birds during the colder months, providing a regular constant source of food. Well Fed Bird's Hungry Gap mixtures are highly recommended. John and the team are friendly and helpful, and their service is quick and efficient. 10/9/2018
Dear John.
I would recommend using Well Fed Birds mix . Our HLS project advisor was happy with the choice of mixes. The feed comes in easy to manage Bags which aids managing . There is only one invoice to show if necessary.
I am always far busier than I anticipate with the cattle in December and having done the sourcing of individual seeds and liaised with the project officer to the correct mix I sometimes start feeding later than anticipated... Well Fed Birds mix saves me a lot of time and energy, and makes this job much easier.
Bird population has gone up noticeably since started supplementary feeding, Well Fed Bird’s different mixes target what is needed.
I feel I have saved time, energy and money buying Well Fed Bird mixes,I find buying in bulk from one supplier simplifies keeping the records that the scheme requires.
Andrew Jones
Beef and Arable farmer, Wiltshire
26/01/17
Dear John
Just to say that we are delighted with your service, and seed we have bought from you over the last few years.
Because we need to buy large quantities for our winter bird feeding commitment on the farm, it has been great to have someone to give us expert advice on the best mixes, and bag sizes for our needs.
The birds seem very happy about the service too!
Best wishes
Henry Jones
F W Jones & Son
Shropshire