The use of skylark plots by the European Skylark (Alauda arvensis) in Germany

The Eurasian Skylark is still undergoing a strong population decline. A simple and cheap measure to provide support are bare patches in winter cereal fields (“skylark plots”). Previous studies showed mixed evidence about their effectiveness. In this study, over 7 years, a total of 68 fields in Germany with skylark plots were monitored. Fields with skylark plots had significantly higher densities of Eurasian Skylark sightings compared to control fields (median 15%), but only on 50% of farms. Crop diversity within 500 m radius was the only consistent factor in the best models to explain the variability in effectiveness. Due to their low costs and high potential effectiveness, we recommend a wide implementation of skylark plots.