IT was interesting to read that farmland bird numbers have declined since 2005 (Yorkshire Post, November 1).

That was about the time when "environmental stewardship" insisted that farmers leave two metres of grass land around the cultivated fields.

What is also evident is that farmers are experiencing a large increase in the rat population.

Could it be that the "margins" farmers have had to agree to are providing the rats with a place in which to thrive?

And maybe during late spring and summer the rats are feasting on the farmland birds' eggs and/or their chicks.

Does anyone seek the views of the people who could really advise them, the farmers themselves?

Unfortunately, it can be likened to the problems with the River Hull and flood-related matters – they listen, but do not hear.

From: Pamela Z Frankland, Hull Road, Dunnington, York.

REGARDING the falling numbers of farmland birds over the last two years, two major happenings seem to have escaped the RSPB.

Firstly, the horrendous rain, just at the time pheasant, grey partridge and red-legged chicks were taking their first tentative steps. Their tiny feet became encased in mud balls, causing them to hunger to death or become easy pickings for the second occurrence.

The massive rise in birds of prey – magpie, carrion crow and hawks. We had three good covies of grey partridge – 14 chicks in one, now reduced to five. We never shoot them.

When asked recently where all the garden birds were, the RSPB said that they were out in the countryside enjoying the harvest spoils. If that is so, we farmers cannot be all bad. We should all remember generations of farmers fashioned the countryside while having to consider
the circumstances, in war and peace.