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<p>We are committed to the recovery of species, including wild birds, in England and
that is why within the Environment Act 2021 we have a requirement for a new legally
binding target halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. Furthermore, we plan
to publish a Green Paper soon which will consider further actions that Defra can take
to assist nature's recovery.</p><p>Our Agri-environment schemes continue to be the
principal means of improving habitat provision for farmland birds and the wider environment
on farmland in England. We were delighted to see a 40% uplift in Countryside Stewardship
applications this year which will help drive immediate action to support birds and
other species.</p><p>In the longer term we will transition to three new environmental
land management schemes which will further this work. In the Sustainable Farming Incentive
pilot, participants can select from an initial set of eight standards to build their
own agreements. Several of these standards contain actions to support birds. For example,
the Arable and Horticultural Land Standard aims to support increased farmland biodiversity,
including wild bird and pollinator populations through specific actions that will
provide year-round resources for farmland birds and insects.</p><p>In addition, the
Government continues to support specific conservation action for birds. For example,
supporting the establishment of the National Recovery Partnership for curlew in England,
which brings together a range of organisations with a desire to protect and conserve
this species, and funding a trial translocation and recovery project in the east of
England. We have also supported successful reintroductions, including the white-tailed
eagle to southern England.</p>
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