Click on this link to see the results of a farmland bird survey by the RSPB into the % contraction in ranges of Cornwall's birds. REPORT

This shows how important the provision of winter stubble and mixed farming is to the success of our birds. As farmers who work outside through all the seasons it also strikes us how the weather can devastate wintering (and breeding) birds. We have certainly seen a change in weather patterns over the years. 

1990 Biological Survey by The National Trust. Survey areas included West Cliff, the valley below Soar Mill Cove Hotel and Soar Mill Cove itself. Results can be obtained from The National Trust, Killerton telephone 01392 881691.

Vegetation, Fauna and management considerations were all looked at. A follow up survey was again undertaken in May 1998.

1992/93 Cirl Bunting Population Survey conducted by the RSPB by Mr Buckingham and Mr Orsman.

1992 South Hams Wildlife Survey by Devon Wildlife Trust carried out by Leigh Lock regional RSPB. This survey was conducted as a site evaluation for suitable habitat for Cirl Bunting. Results showed that important habitat lay outside the SSSI on the cliffs and was mainly the scrub and gorse covered valley sides below Soar Mill Hotel. It was hoped that under ownership of the National Trust this habitat would remain or be improved, it was also noted that it was important for other nesting birds too.

1994 Common Bird Census (CBC) by the RSPB conducted by Roy Tailor.

This was a very comprehensive survey carried out by a truly professional and dedicated man, he was also a very good birder and proved the potential of Southdown as a premier site for migrant rarities.

His study showed the relationship between set-aside and arable crops on the breeding performance to a range of common farmland birds.

Copies of the CBC data may be obtained from Leigh Lock at Exeter RSPB telephone 01392 432691.

2000 The RSPB at Exeter asked for Farmer co-operation in supplying feeding stations somewhere on their farms for supplementary feeding in harsh weather. This is a policy that we undertake throughout the winter months as a matter of routine.

2000 Factors Influencing Biodiversity Within Organic and Conventional Systems of Agriculture by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). This is a large and comprehensive study organised by MAFF and carried out by three different organisations.

Invertebrate Surveys by Oxford University.

Bat Surveys by Oxford University.

Plant Surveys by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH)

Farmer Surveys by the CEH.

Bird Surveys by The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) conducted by Perry Saunders.

Results have not been compiled yet.

2001 Volunteer and Farm Alliance by the RSPB conducted by Jenny Auber.

Due to Foot and Mouth restrictions this survey has been postponed.

2001 Cirl Buntings and Countryside Stewardship Farmers by the RSPB. This survey looked at the Financial, Social and Management Effects of Countryside Stewardship Cirl Bunting Agreements on South Devon Farms. The results are published in a report available from Nigel Hewitt, Exeter RSPB telephone 01392 453773.

2006 Arable Weed Survey, as an add-on to the National Trusts plant survey between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail our farm was chosen as a survey site. The preliminary results can be seen here, RESULTS as an xls file.

It was revealed that just to the west of Soar Mill Cove a small patch of a rare clover was discovered, previously known only from the Lizard and Jersey in the British Isles, more of the plants are towards Bolt Tail. It was found in 2005 and is Long-headed Clover Trifolium incarnatum molinerii.