Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Associated Species Bats Black Redstart Associated Habitat action plans Arable field margins and beetle banks Buildings & the built environment Grassland (all types)

Kestrel populations have declined over the last 25 years but has remained stable over the last 3 years. The global population is not concentrated in Europe, but has an unfavourable Conservation Status in Europe.

Population fluctuations generally tend to parallel that of its main prey species (short-tailed vole) which could also have been affected by farming intensification in western Britain, explaining the decrease in kestrels in the region.

This species recovered well when DDT and PCBs were banned.

Increased urban tree planting appears to favour sparrowhawk over kestrel

3.1 Legal status

The kestrel does not receive specially protected under Schedule 1 of the WCA 1981, but receives general protection in Sections 1-8.

3.2 Management, research and guidance

Kestrel nestbox schemes have been successful in Holland and elsewhere and could be attempted in Birmingham and the Black Country. As many nature reserves and country parks in Birmingham and the Black Country contain electricity pylons, these could be a useful site for future nest box schemes, as could tall buildings in new developments.

Prey species should be encouraged by the management and creation of rough grassland.

Breeding population figures will be produced whn the Birmingham and Black Country Breeding Birds Survey is published. The population of breeding kestrels in the area should be re-assessed at least every 5 years.

ACTION	Potential Deliverers		YEARS							Meets Objective No.
	Lead	Partner	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2011
5.1 Policy and legislation
Seek the inclusion of effective measures which protect kestrels and their habitats in the preparation of Unitary Development Plans and/ or other policy documents.	LAs	WT, WMBC, LCG	As UDPs and other policy documents are prepared.							1,2
5.2 Site/species management and protection
Encourage the erection of kestrel nesting boxes through the planning system. This action could be pursued through Section 106 Agreements or planning conditions.	LAs	WT, LCG								1,3
Encourage land owners/ managers to erect kestrel boxes	WT	LCG, LAs, LO								1,3,4
5.3 Advisory
Procedure guidance leaflet on the conservation of the urban kestrel	LAs, BTO	RSPB								4
5.4 Future research and monitoring
Establish population distribution and trends through Birmingham and Black Country Breeding Birds Survey.	WMBC									2
Monitor populations every 5 years.	WT	WMBC								2
5.5 Communications and publicity
Procedure guidance leaflet on the conservation of the urban kestrel (see 5.3)	LAs, BTO	RSPB								4
5.6 Links to other action plans
Bats, black redstart, arable field margins and beetle banks, buildings and the built environment, grassland (all types)

This Biodiversity Action Plan will be implemented over 10 years with a first review after 5 years. A group will be set up to co-ordinate implementation and to report to the Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. This group will meet at a minimum on a yearly basis.

Review will be carried out in conjunction with related Habitat and Species Action Plans as appropriate and will consist of measuring achievement of targets. The group will, with the support of the Steering Group, develop and implement appropriate monitoring methods, which will inform the review process.

The Action Plan will be revised and updated in the light of review results and any relevant changes in circumstances and / or additional information which becomes available during the review period.

In line with national guidance, the Steering Group will report to the UK Biodiversity Steering Group.

Biodiversity Action Plan for Birmingham and the Black Country © 2000

Printing of this publication for educational purposes is permitted, provided that copies are not made or distributed for commercial gain, and the title of the publication and its date appear. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires specific permission from the Steering Group.