Gamebirds and woodland edges.

Abstract

A large proportion of lowland woods are managed for gamebirds, especially pheasants. The management of edges is critical in maximising the density of pheasants within a woodland. External edges are particularly important, and internal edges along rides are also used. Rides should be >30 m wide to be beneficial. Two features of a woodland which influence the density of birds are: (1) the length of edge, and (2) the extent of shrub cover within this zone. Small woods with a relatively greater edge to area ratio, and good shrub cover, are likely to hold greater densities of birds. Modelling enables the prediction of pheasant densities in woods of different size and composition and can take into consideration any proposed changes in management.