Farmers: How to Create Skylark Plots

How to Create Skylark Plots: A Practical Guide for British Farmers (With Breeding Timelines)

Creating skylark plots is one of the most effective, low-cost ways to support farmland bird recovery while maintaining productive arable systems.

These simple, unsown patches within cereal crops directly benefit the Eurasian skylark by improving access to nesting sites and insect-rich feeding areas during the breeding season.

This in-depth guide explains how to create skylark plots, where to position them, and—critically—how to time their establishment to align with skylark reproduction cycles.

What Are Skylark Plots?

Skylark plots are small, deliberately unsown areas within autumn-sown cereal fields.

Standard specification:

Size: 16–24 m² (typically 4 m x 4 m)

Placement: Within the crop (not field edges)

Density: 2 plots per hectare

They are created during drilling by briefly switching off the seed drill, leaving open patches that persist throughout the growing season.

Why Skylark Plots Are Essential

Modern cereal crops can become too dense for skylarks to use effectively.

Key challenges:

• Thick crop structure restricts movement

• Limited access to ground-level insects

• Reduced nesting opportunities

How plots help

Skylark plots create accessible spaces where birds can:

• Land and take off safely

• Forage efficiently for insects

• Establish multiple nesting attempts

Evidence from the RSPB shows that well-placed plots significantly improve breeding success.

Understanding Skylark Breeding Cycles (Critical for Timing)

To maximise effectiveness, skylark plots must align with the species’ reproductive cycle.

Typical UK breeding calendar:

March–April: Territory establishment and first nests

May–June: Peak breeding and chick rearing

July–August: Second and third broods

Skylarks often attempt 2–3 broods per season, meaning consistent access to suitable habitat is essential over several months.

Step-by-Step: How to Create Skylark Plots

1. Select Suitable Fields

Best suited to:

• Autumn-sown cereals (wheat, barley)

• Large, open fields

Avoid:

• Field edges

• Areas near hedgerows or trees (higher predation risk)

2. Plan Plot Distribution

Recommended density:

• 2 plots per hectare

Spacing:

• 50–100 metres apart

• Evenly distributed across the field

Positioning tips:

• Avoid tramlines

• Avoid compacted or waterlogged areas

• Place in open, undisturbed sections

3. Create Plots During Autumn Drilling

Timing:

September to November

Method:

• Turn off the seed drill while moving forward

• Create a square patch (~4 m x 4 m)

• Resume drilling immediately

This ensures plots are in place before the breeding season begins.

Management Timelines Aligned to Skylark Reproduction

Autumn (September–November): Establishment Phase

• Create skylark plots during drilling

• Ensure correct density and spacing

• No further intervention required

Why this matters:

Plots must be present before spring so birds can establish territories early.

Winter (December–February): Dormant Phase

• No management required

• Avoid unnecessary disturbance

Why this matters:

Fields remain suitable for early-season territory selection.

Early Spring (March–April): Territory and First Nesting

• Skylarks return to breeding areas

• First nests are established

Management guidance:

Avoid field operations that disturb nesting birds where possible

Role of plots:

Provide landing zones and accessible nesting habitat

Late Spring to Early Summer (May–June): Peak Breeding

Highest demand for insect food

Chicks require frequent feeding

Management guidance:

• Minimise pesticide use where feasible

• Maintain insect availability

Role of plots:

Critical feeding areas for adults and chicks

Mid to Late Summer (July–August): Multiple Broods

Second and third nesting attempts occur

Management guidance:

Delay disruptive operations where possible

Role of plots:

Enable continued breeding success late into the season

Harvest (July–August): End of Cycle

Crop removal eliminates plots

Key point:

• Plots must be recreated annually

When Will You See Results?

First year:

• Immediate use by skylarks

• Increased activity within fields

Years 2–3:

• Higher nesting success

• Increased chick survival

Long-term:

• Stabilised or recovering local populations

Consistency year-on-year is essential for population recovery.

Impact on Farm Productivity

Land take: Less than 0.5% of cropped area

Yield impact: Minimal to negligible

Additional benefits: Eligibility for agri-environment payments. Improved biodiversity outcomes. Positive public perception of sustainable farming

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Creating too few plots (less than 2 per hectare)

• Placing plots near field edges or trees

• Forgetting to recreate plots annually

• Using spring-sown crops (less effective for skylarks)

Enhancing Skylark Plot Effectiveness

For best results, integrate skylark plots with wider habitat measures:

• Maintain wildflower margins for insect supply

• Reduce pesticide inputs where possible

• Retain overwinter stubbles

• Support mixed farming systems

These measures increase food availability and overall breeding success.

Why Skylark Plots Matter

The Eurasian skylark is a key indicator of farmland ecosystem health. Its decline reflects broader environmental pressures, particularly in arable landscapes.

Skylark plots are:

• Proven to increase breeding success

• Simple to implement

• Compatible with modern farming systems

They represent one of the most effective targeted interventions available to farmers.

Conclusion

Skylark plots offer a practical, evidence-based solution to support farmland bird recovery without compromising productivity.

By aligning plot creation with the skylark’s breeding cycle—from autumn establishment through to late summer broods—farmers can maximise their impact.

A small change at drilling can deliver measurable ecological benefits, helping ensure that the skylark’s song remains a defining feature of the UK countryside.

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