A flock of rare birds have made an "astonishing" comeback after hundreds of corn buntings were spotted in a Chronicle Country farm.


The population of corn buntings has declined by 90 per cent in the UK over the last 40 years, but just after Christmas, more than 700 were spotted in a Stotfold farm.


It is the largest number of corn buntings thought to have been recorded in living memory.


The birds have now made the New Manor Farm, near Hitchin Road, Stotfold, their new home.


Steve Bumstead, owner of the farm, said: "It is absolutely astonishing that the population of a bird, which was thought to have been in danger of extinction, seems to be making a remarkable recovery on our doorsteps.


"About three weeks ago, a local bird watcher noticed them and reported it to the RSPB.


"I've noticed the birds there every year, but I just did not know what species they were."


The 50-year-old farmer has always been keen on encouraging bio-diversity in the countryside, and he believes his farming methods might have something to do with the high numbers of corn buntings in the area.


He said: "I've always been keen on wildlife and try to encourage it in whatever way I can. I purposely leave the hedges untrimmed to make it bird and insect friendly, and there is also a lot of unsaleable leftovers from the barley crop as well as field margins and winter stubble.


"I think I may have given the birds a suitable habitat for their survival.


"Like every other species of animals, including humans, if you have food and a suitable place to raise your young, then it can only be beneficial and the population will grow."


To read the full story read the January 29 edition of the Biggleswade Chronicle.