Direct protection of nested by using a scaring bar

Direct protection of broods by the use of a scaring bar

**Sites concerned

The Basses Vallées Angevines, Moyenne Vallée de la Charente et Moyenne Vallée de l’Oise

**Description

Current operating conditions (earlier and faster mowing) no longer allow grassland species such as Corncrake to complete their breeding cycle and often cause direct destruction of broods when mowing. There is now an urgent need to establish effective protection tools such as scaring bar and develop this good practice.
Scaring bars are already used in France but mainly to preserve game animals (mammals, partridge ...). This type of device has however never been tested in this type of alluvial grasslands to protect the corncrake. The height and density of vegetation as well as the small size of the corncrake can make the use of this scaring bar unreliable.
It is therefore essential to use concretely and test the effectiveness of this equipment with farmers and in this type of environment before widespread use.

Thus, when mowing, it will be made available to voluntary farmers 6 scaring bars on the 3 sites involved in the project. Set on the same side as the mower, the scaring bar is equipped with chains and/or teeth for up to ground level. It is the latter who will make escape wildlife by simple contact before it is caught by the mower.

**Coordination

The LPO, LPO Anjou and CEN Picardie

**Expected results

• Rescue of over 30 broods and adults
• Involvement of at least 10 voluntary farmers
• Promotion of the efficiency scaring device (a bar set on the mower) towards hundreds of farmers and managers of natural areas hosting Corncrakes.