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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Farming

Linnet

  • What do linnets need?
  • Helping linnets

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Home > Our work > Farming > Advice for farmers > Helping farmland birds > Helping farmland birds > Linnet

Linnet

Linnets are found on farmland wherever there is a plentiful supply of seeds throughout the year. The UK population of linnets fell by 54% between 1970 and 1998*. This is largely the result of loss of seed sources on farmland. 

*Data source: British Trust for Ornithology

What do linnets need?

Linnets need lots of seeds throughout the year and thick hedgerows and scrub for nesting. More...

Male linnet perched in gorse bush

Helping linnets

Linnets will benefit from management on set-aside, arable land, grassland, hedgerows and field margins. More...

Linnet

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 13/06/2007 20:36:31
Show/hide picture credits
Male linnet perched in gorse bush - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2867069_00034_002)
Linnet - Andy Bright
Insect on dewy ears of barley - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Herd of cows, West Sedgemoor RSPB reserve - David Kjaer (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11413_0029)
Archie Carmichael (L, on tractor) & Gus Keys (R = site manager) in farm yard at Kinnabus. Mull of Oa RSPB reserve. Islay - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2005_9857_009)