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1.The cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus L.) has been the subject of targeted and successful conservation efforts based on agri-environment schemes (AES) in the UK since 1993. Recent work has suggested that although focused on a single species, there have been wider biodiversity benefits for plants and some invertebrates. 2.In this study we investigated whether a similar pattern could be found for the Auchenorrhyncha (plant- and leafhoppers) within agricultural grasslands, where they form an important component of the herbivore community. 3.Sweep netting was used to sample Auchenorrhyncha from AES pastures, on which no pesticide or fertiliser inputs are allowed, and from conventionally grazed and cut (silage) fields at 25 locations in south Devon UK, during 2008. 4.Generalised linear mixed models and non-metric multidimensional scaling were used to model abundance, species density, and community structure. 5.AES fields had the highest abundance, followed by conventionally grazed and then cut fields. The same pattern occurred for species density, although there was no significant difference between conventionally grazed and cut fields. There was no difference in community structure between field types. 6.Number of plant species, sward age, and nitrogen input were important covariates of field type, suggesting that the limitations on inputs resulting from AES are the likely drivers of the observed differences. 7.The results add to the evidence base that suggests that increased agricultural intensity is inversely related to invertebrate biodiversity. They also provide evidence that AES designed for the cirl bunting have provided wider biodiversity benefits.

Two-hectare unsown, tilled fallow plots put in place under agri-environment schemes for stone curlews Burhinus oedicnemus in England were surveyed for other bird species, brown hares Lepus europaeus, carabid beetles, vascular plants, butterflies and bumblebees. The results were compared with those from surveys within the crop in the same field and in neighbouring fields. This was done to test whether agri-environment management targeted at a single species also provided benefits to wider biodiversity. All groups except carabid beetles were more abundant, more likely to be recorded, or more species rich on plots than within the crop. Carabid beetle activity–density and species richness did not differ between the plot and the crop; activity–density of one functional group (predators) was lower on plots than in the crop. Six rare arable plant species were recorded, predominantly from plots, and the plots are considered to perform comparably to other agri-environment options available in England designed specifically for arable plants. One red-listed bird species of conservation concern (skylark Alauda arvensis) was more abundant on plots than in the crop, and three other red-listed species (linnet Carduelis cannabina, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, corn bunting E. calandra) were more likely to be recorded on plots than in the crop. A fifth (lapwing Vanellus vanellus) was almost exclusively recorded from plots, and was more likely to be recorded on plots categorised as in good condition for stone curlews. These results demonstrate that fallow plots that have been put in place for the recovery of stone curlews have considerable value for a range of other farmland biodiversity, although management for stone curlews may be detrimental to some taxa, such as carabid beetles, that are sensitive to the relatively frequent spring tillage that these plots receive.

Agri-environment scheme (AES) management has increased populations of cirl buntings (Emberiza cirlus) in South Devon, England, and might be expected to provide benefits for other declining biodiversity, due to less intensive farm management. Fields managed under AES for cirl buntings (low-input spring barley or permanent pasture without inputs) were contrasted with control fields under conventional management (spring barley without management restrictions and winter cereals, or grazed without management restrictions) to identify such benefits for vascular plants, butterflies, bumblebees, carabid beetles, foliar invertebrates and bats. Activity-density and species richness of carabid beetles were both higher in AES spring barley fields than in control spring barley and winter cereal fields. Forb cover and abundance of butterflies and bumblebees were higher in AES spring barley fields than in winter cereals, but did not differ between AES and control spring barley. No difference was observed in plant species richness between any of the arable field types. Plant species richness and butterfly abundance were higher in AES pasture fields than in controls. Abundance, activity-density and/or species richness of other taxa did not differ between AES and control pastures. Benefits observed in AES spring barley fields arise from management specific to AES agreements, and also, we suggest, from the maintenance of spring-sown barley in the landscape. Benefits in AES pasture fields are ascribed to the absence of fertiliser and pesticide inputs, and reductions in stocking arising from this; there is also likely to have been some pre-selection for older pastures to be entered into AES management agreements. Agri-environment measures for cirl buntings have benefits for a range of taxa beyond the target species, and therefore, largely through reduction of management intensity and maintenance of land-use diversity, improve the overall biodiversity of the farmed landscape where they are present.