Skylarks are among the species whose numbers have risen

The woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Cetti's warbler are among breeds which have benefited from better agricultural practices, the government said.

Figures published on Thursday showed coastal bird populations in the UK had risen by around 20% since 1985.

Environment minister Elliot Morley said the figures were encouraging.

Arable farming

Species such as lapwings and skylarks have also increased in the South East.

Farmer Ian Smith, who has 250 acres near Sandwich, Kent has increased the bird population on his land since switching from intensive vegetable farming to arable farming in 2000.

In 2003, there were 25 breeding pairs of grey partridges and in 2004 39 pairs were counted.

Turtle doves are up from 12 to 14, yellow wagtails from five to six and skylarks from 18 to 34.

Mr Smith is a member of the government's �145m per year Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme which helps to improve habitats.

"I am very pleased that we've been able to create habitat that is beneficial," he said.