Predatory birds preserving vineyard produce at Rathfinny, England's wine region
Rathfinny Wine Estate Employs Birds of Prey to Protect English Wine Grapes
In an innovative move to protect its vineyards, Rathfinny Wine Estate in the UK has enlisted the help of birds of prey. This decision comes amid signs of a promising wine harvest in 2025, following a record hot summer.
The vineyard, which is a certified B Corp company, aims to reduce its environmental impact, and this trial is part of that commitment. The purpose is to reduce the use of plastic netting that would normally cover the vines.
Falcons, hawks, and even a Chilean blue eagle, or black-chested buzzard eagle, are patrolling the skies from dawn until dusk. Harris's hawks are stationed at the perimeter of the estate, while the more agile Merlins are deployed to chase off smaller birds.
To tackle the bigger birds like seagulls, a specialist 'hybrid' bird representing a peregrine falcon cross-bred with a Gyrfalcon has been employed. This bird, known for its speed and agility, is large enough to scare off seagulls. For pigeons, another hybrid falcon, a peregrine crossed with a South American Aplomado, is used.
The decision to use birds of prey is not a new concept. Studies, such as the one published in the journal Conservation Biology in 2012, have shown that introducing falcons could lead to a significant reduction in grape losses. This method has also been used in vineyards in California.
Interestingly, the estate has also found alternative meals for hungry birds nearby, as there is plenty of food available in the hedgerows around the estate. This ensures that the birds of prey are not relying on the grapes for their food.
Rathfinny Wine Estate expects to begin its 2025 harvest on 25 September, 10 days earlier than normal. While no new harvest dates or expected yields have been mentioned, this innovative approach to vineyard protection is certainly a promising sign for the future of sustainable wine production.
Read also:
- Query: Obtain information from Justin Peterson, Digital Content Production Director
- Car Manufacturers in the EU Voice Impracticality of Internal Combustion Engine Ban
- Around a third of general practitioners (GPs) have not previously worked for the National Health Service (NHS) or have left their positions.
- Key insights from Draghi's tech-focused discourse:
