Proposals for an airport on St Helena are likely to have a significant impact on Wirebirds. Acknowledging this the Department for International Development (DFID) has provided funding for a Wirebird mitigation project. The focus to date has been to improve the condition of the pastures where the Wirebird thrives. This work not only benefits for the critically endangered bird but it supports the livelihoods of local farmers.

The Trust is currently working with partners the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and the RSPB on a number of activities, including improving paddock fencing, increasing levels of grazing, and clearing invasive plants from pastures. The Trust has recently purchased a new wood chipper (funded by the South Atlantic Invasive Species project) which is available for use on the project.

It is hoped that in the long term this work will increase Wirebird numbers at the restored sites. Of course improving habitats is only part of the solution – predators such as feral cats and rats continue to have a significant impact. The Trust and the RSPB have recently developed a new Wirebird predator control project that has been submitted for OTEP funding.

Related Information

The Wirebird Project Page