Partridges in the Green Heart

Research has shown that there are still about 10 to 20 partridge pairs in the Bentwoud and the surrounding areas. So it's not too late, but the birds are in quite a pinch. The main problem for the partridge is the lack of shelter, nesting and feeding places. To tackle these problems, we have entered into a partnership with a number of arable farmers, Staatsbosbeheer and land management organisations.  

Flower boxes and beetle benches 

The arable farmers have sown part of their land with a special partridge mixture. In these flower boxes the partridges find food, they can hide from predators and they have a safe place to hatch their eggs. So-called 'beetle banks' have also been installed at a number of farmers. These are elevations in the fields where ground beetles, among others, feel at home. This type of beetles forms an important part of the partridge's diet.  

Partridge hedges and mowing policy 

We are currently working hard to realize partridge hedges on a number of fields. These are strips that are planted with low-growing trees and shrubs with overhanging branches. These hedges provide more shelter for the partridge in the otherwise bare farmland. It is especially important for the grounds management authorities to adjust the mowing policy. We advise these authorities on how best to deal with their verges, so that the partridge also has a safe place there. 

Bonuses! 

In addition to the partridge, all kinds of other bird species also benefit from these measures. Think of goldfinches, greenfinches, skylarks and meadow pipits, but also species such as the kestrel and the barn owl.