Tree Pipits near Bodney, Norfolk

This morning I visited an area of Pine Forest close to Bodney where compartments of varying ages of trees are commercially grown.  Two particular compartments are quite young, around 4 years of age, and it was here this morning that I located 4 singing Tree Pipits, one at one site, and 3 singing males at another.  Tall stands of mature Pines and deciduous species surround the younger compartments.
Two Tree Pipits were seen well whilst two further birds were heard only.

Tree Pipit (male) photographed at Thompson, Norfolk May 2016.

My observations this morning initially saw one male Tree Pipit singing high in tall trees around the periphery of its territory, whilst another male sang from lower perches within its range.  Both Tree Pipits performed their conspicuous 'parachute' display flight, descending slowly to a lower perch where singing continued.  Within these younger Pine plantations long grass provides good breeding habitat.
Management of cleared woodland within the Pine forest sees the retention of a taller tree, such as an old Birch bole, these provide song-posts for both Tree Pipits and Woodlarks
Tree Pipits are localised and scarce breeding species in Breckland, mostly occurring within young Pine compartments and heathland.  Their stronghold in Britain are the uplands of Britain.