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Organic Wild Bird Cover

Cover crops for bird feed and successful shoots

  
red clover
There has been much research showing a decline in farmland biodiversity. Farmland birds have been the focus of particular attention and species such as the tree sparrow, for example, have seen numbers decline by 95%. Other species such as grey partridge, corn buntings, lapwings and skylarks receive much publicity and now within Environmental Stewardship there is an opportunity to redress the balance.


Popular Game Cover Crops
The cover crops on this page are used as cover or feed crops for pheasants and partridges. Some species such as maize are large seeds and as such are not usually eligible for Environmental Stewardship ELS or HLS options. Please check your agreements carefully before purchase.

Crops for Seed Eating Birds
red clover
For many years farmers have provided suitable seed bearing and cover crops for game birds. The same principles apply for providing food and cover for non game birds. We list two mixtures on this page which can be sown for one or two years. The use of annual species such as quinoa and millet provide a reliable source of seed from the end of the autumn into the winter. A two year crop usually includes kale and when successful provides seed the following year.

Establishment and Management
In common with other crops these cover crops need management if they are to deliver results. As most cover crop sowings are comprised of more than one crop species, it is unlikely that chemical weed control will be possible or allowed without authorisation. Therefore seedbeds for cover crops should be planned well in advance to give a clean, weed free start. Any weeds in the cover crop, provided they are not dominant, can become a further food source for birds once they set seed. It is advisable to use a limited amount of seedbed fertiliser. This is often necessary as many of the sown species will require a source of fertility, particularly nitrogen, to get established. The seeds can be broadcast but these cover crop mixtures are better shallow drilled. Warm soils are essential for satisfactory establishment and for this reason we do not recommend any sowings before April.

kale seed

Target Species
It is possible to target certain bird species and provide specific food and/or habitat for them. If you wish to know more there is a good source of information at www.rspb.org.uk/farming
Mixtures & Seeds...
General Purpose Game Mixture
Ref. MIXGAMEORG  65% Organic
This is our best selling game cover which is a traditional spring sown mixture containing species selected to provide feed and cover. It is of particular interest to pheasants and partridges but is also attractive to other wild birds. It is best sown during April and May into a well worked seedbed. It is worth creating a stale seedbed before sowing in order to reduce the weed population.
2.00 kg white millet
1.00 kg ORGANICsweet clover
1.00 kg sunflower
2.50 kg ORGANICbuckwheat
2.50 kg ORGANICfodder radish
0.25 kg kale
0.25 kg rape
0.50 kg ORGANICmustard
10.00 kg per acre (25 kg/ha)
Quinoa/Kale Mixture
Ref. MIXQUI NON-ORGANIC
This simple combination provides the two key requirements of game birds - cover and feed. The kale provides excellent winter cover and supports the quinoa plants. Quinoa is used as a grain crop in South America and in the UK it can provide1-2 tonnes per acre of high protein feed from late Autumn. To establish a good crop sow between April and May into a well worked seedbed which is free of weeds.
1.50 kg quinoa
1.50 kg kale
3.00 kg per acre (7.5 kg/ha)
Retrieve Mixture
Ref. MIXRETORG   83% Organic
For a summer sowing after a failed spring crop nothing beats rape and mustard. It's quick, cheap and it works.
1.00 kg rape
5.00 kg mustard
6.00 kg per acre (15 kg/ha)
Game Maize  ORGANIC SEED
Maize is one of the most useful game crops providing a source of winter feed. The open bottom of a maize crop draws pheasants and partridges alike. It is best sown during late April. One acre packs. *Sowing rate approx.
11.00 kg per acre* (27.5 kg/ha)
Millet NON-ORGANIC
Highly recommended for its feed attributes. Millet is seldom sown on its own, however sown with maize or kale the results can be excellent. One method is to plant maize with its usual wide rows and then drill or broadcast millet in blocks at right angles to the maize. This will ensure a steady release of birds. Sow during April and May.
10.00 kg per acre (25 kg/ha)
Canary Grass NON-ORGANIC
This perennial grass is drilled in wide rows (60-90cm) and takes a year or so to become established. From the second year the seed heads will reach 2 metres and the crop can usually be relied upon for 10 years. Sow in the May.
3.00 kg per acre (7.5 kg/ha)
Kale NON-ORGANIC
A pure stand of kale provides cover. it has a good top cover and an open floor and is an ideal habitat for pheasants. Sow from late April through May.
3.00 kg per acre (7.5 kg/ha)
Sunflower NON-ORGANIC
Drill after mid April into warm soils.(can grow to 2m plus).
10.00 kg per acre (25 kg/ha)
Mustard  ORGANIC SEED
A fast growing annual crop which can be sown in the summer in emergency situations.
8.00 kg per acre (20 kg/ha)
   
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