Inter-Specific Variation in the Potential for Upland Rush Management Advocated by Agri-Environment Schemes to Increase Breeding Wader Densities

Encroachment of rush Juncus spp. in the United Kingdom uplands poses a threat to declining wader populations due taller, denser swards that can limit foraging and breeding habitat quality for some species. Rush management via cutting, implemented through agri-environment schemes (AESs), could thus increase abundance, but there is insufficient assessment understanding how influences upland waders. Across two regions England [South West Peak (SWP) Geltsdale nature reserve, Cumbria], we surveyed waders over four visits fields where was managed according AES prescriptions (treatment; n = 21) without were otherwise ecologically similar (control; 22) assess densities pairs respond short-term. We find evidence regional variation response management, with Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago significantly higher treatment than control SWP, not Geltsdale. There no statistically significant responses on Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata or Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus . The 95% confidence intervals parameter estimates suggest this may be limited statistical power case Lapwing. For Curlew, however, any potential increases are negligible. cover, which ranged from 10 70%, influenced our three focal Our results delivered isolation other interventions lead general short-term, benefits arise situations inter-specific effectiveness. supported improve soil conditions food availability, reduce predation pressure, enable generate benefits. Additional research required maximise each species development tailor individual species’ optimum sward structure.