As part of the general monitoring programme at the RSPB arable farm we have been monitoring skylarks since we purchased the site. As a general rule the skylarks on our farm tend to avoid the oilseed rape in favour of the winter wheat and spring beans unless the oilseed rape has established poorly. If the skylarks choose to nest in oilseed rape in April they are able to complete a full breeding cycle we do have at least one nest with chicks at the moment. We have rarely found second broods in the rape by then the crop has become too tall.
Chris Bailey Farm Manager RSPB Grange Farm