P148 CEEFAX 1 148 Wed 05 Feb 01:07/24 1/2 O PESTICIDES BLAMED FOR SONGBIRD DECLINE The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and othjt conservation bodies say the population of Britain's best known song birds has fallen bz more than 70%. The decline ovjt the past 25 years has been blamed on the indirect effects of chemicals used on farms. There are now 73% fewer song thrushes, 78% fewer tree sparrows and nearly 60% fewer skylarks. Disappearing habitats and food supplies were said to bj the cause. Extra 140 Newsround 510 Travel 430 Sport 300 Weather 400 News 101 Religion CBBC Text TV/Radio Main MenuP148 CEEFAX 1 148 Wed 05 Feb 01:04/22 2/2 WILDLIFE PROTECTION SCHEME ANNOUNCED The Govjrnmjnt has announced a new scheme which aims to protect wildlife in arable farmland. From next year the pilot project will pay farmers who agree to test farming techniques expected to benefit wildlife There has been growing concern among environmentalists about the effect of farming practices on birds and insects. The move follows advice from the National Ague-environment Forum, which was created last year. Extra 140 Newsround 510 Travel 430 Sport 300 Wjathjt 400 News 101 Religion CBBC Text TV/Radio Main Menu