Wild pasture

The situation for field birds in Flanders is dire. Many typical field birds such as the partridge, skylark, gray bunting, and yellow bunting have seen their populations plummet over the past 30 years. The same is true in the Heuvelland region. However, this region offers opportunities to reverse this trend. Therefore, a wild field has been established here. On one hand, the disappearance of small landscape elements leads to a loss of cover, food, and breeding opportunities. On the other hand, during hunger winters, there are too few rough field edges, spilled grain, and unmanaged little corners to be found. The loss of essential winter rations has contributed to the decline of field birds.

The ambassador of field birds in West Flanders is the yellow bunting. It prefers a small-scale mosaic landscape, with a mix of small grain fields, flower-rich grasslands, hedges, fallow land, and wide verges. The yellow bunting is a beautiful bird with a striking song reminiscent of the beginning of Beethoven's fifth symphony. What is good for the yellow bunting is also good for other field birds and animals like butterflies, grasshoppers, and so on. Field weeds thrive under this management. Just think of poppies, cornflowers, and various types of chamomile.

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos