Selection of forage species and the creation of alternative feeding areas for dark-bellied brent geese Branta bernicla bernicla in southern UK coastal areas

The aim of this study is to provide a better scientific basis for recommend ations for the creation and management of grassland alternative feeding are as (AFAs); agricultural land managed specifically for brent geese (Branta b ernicla bernicla). This is required if AFAs are to be used to help reduce d amage levels due to goose grazing. The preferences of brent geese for four species of forage were measured over two winters, on experimental plots est ablished in spring 1992 on coastal arable farmland in Chichester Harbour, U K, Counts of goose droppings (a good index of grazing pressure) over the fo llowing two winters confirmed that brent geese prefer white clover (Trifoli um repens L.) to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), red fescue (Festuc a rubra L.) or timothy (Phleum pratense L.). No differences in preference b etween the grass species were apparent. The preference for clover plots ove r grass could be explained by higher biomass, percentage live matter, and p rotein, and shorter swards at the beginning of the winter. The preference f or clover over grass persisted to the second winter when the sward height o f plots did not differ significantly. The costs and benefits of growing clo ver are discussed within the framework of current farming practice. These r esults suggest that clover, rather than fertilised grass, may be a more eff ective cover crop on AFAs, including set-aside fields managed for migratory geese. The sward should be managed to encourage clover growth, which would probably involve frequent cutting but no fertiliser, Further research is n eeded on clover replenishment rate over the winter season and the possible benefits of clover leys to other wildlife. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Publish ed by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.