The population of grey partridges is flourishing at Netherhale Farm

In the last two years they have increased the breeding population of grey partridges at Netherhale Farm in Birchington from three pairs to 39.

They have 14 breeding pairs of turtle doves, a threatened species, compared with eight in 2000. The population of overwintering wild geese is also up.

The government Countryside Stewardship Scheme gave cash to improve habitats.

The farmland birds are thriving along with the butterflies, moths and mammals Ian Smith

Measures to encourage wildlife on the 350-acre farm include introducing overwintering stubbles and wild bird seed mixes.

Mr Smith has also established 6m margins round his fields.

One half is covered with tussocky grasses, to provide ground-nesting birds with habitat and shelter.

The other half has a wildflower grass mix to encourage insects, which provide food for fledglings in spring.

Mr Smith said he took advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Game Conservancy Trust.

'Careful management'

"The CSS has enabled us to put in place a comprehensive network of habitats," he said.

"These, combined with selective predator control, supplementary feeding and the decision not to use any insecticides on the farm, have enabled our grey partridge to recover to a healthy population.

"The farmland birds are thriving along with the butterflies, moths and small mammals."

Populations of yellow wagtails, skylarks, meadow pipits, lapwings, linnets and corn buntings are also increasing.

Defra adviser, Dan Tuson, said: "The Smiths' farm is an example of how careful management of habitats for wildlife can work hand in hand with conventional farming.

"It is especially pleasing to see that so many of our threatened farmland bird species are beginning to reap the rewards."