The European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur is the UK’s fastest declining breeding bird species. The UK population has declined by 98% since 1970 and this decline is mirrored across Europe; this decline is through to be driven by a reduction in the number of breeding attempts per year combined with a dietary shift from arable weed seeds to anthropogenic food sources. Here, I will first describe habitat management trials designed to provide a source of seeding arable plants throughout the turtle dove breeding season. Second, I describe research determining the spatial scale for providing this foraging habitat in farmland alongside suitable nesting habitat. Third, I discuss the evidence for dietary change within this species and the implications of this dietary change for nestling survival and parasite transmission. Finally, I will discuss the on-going challenges for conservation of this species.

The meeting place for this walk is outside the White Hart Inn, High Road, Ashton Keynes SN66NX at 0930am. The Water Park lies to the west of the A419 between Swindon and Cirencester. For those who are unfamiliar with the Cotswold Water Park, it is an extensive area of gravel pits which are separated by fields, copses and scrub. The varied landscape should provide us with an interesting birdlist. Hope to see you there