Free farm survey aims to help birds

Jan 31 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AN INITIATIVE to help boost wildlife in Yorkshire’s countryside has been launched.

Local farmers are being invited to take part in the scheme, called the Volunteer and Farmer Alliance, by taking part in a free survey of the breeding birds on their land.

Sarah Dullage is running the project in the region and is asking farmers to take part in the survey, which is carried out by a local volunteer.

She said: “Helping countryside birds such as lapwings, skylarks and tree sparrows can be surprisingly easy, but the vital first step is to identify what wildlife is already present on the farm.

“The Volunteer and Farmer Alliance initiative offers a free and no-strings-attached bird survey, which saves farmers money and is a great way to identify and then start helping the birds on the farm.”

The results of the survey are plotted on a unique bird map that farmers can use to help boost local wildlife.

The information on these bird hotspot maps can also help bring in new income, as the wildlife data can be used in applications for agri-environment grants such as the Government’s Higher Level Scheme.

The scheme, which has just been launched in the north of England, started nine years ago in other parts of the country because of concerns over declines in the numbers of many farmland birds.

Since then more than 4,000 farms across the UK have been involved and around 500 farms are visited every year.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of farmers who are already involved in the project, the RSPB has seen welcome recent increases in birds such as reed buntings, song thrushes and tree sparrows.

Ms Dullage said: “This project provides valuable information and support for farmers who want to do more to help wildlife on their farms.”

Farmers or potential survey volunteers who would like to find out more about the project should contact Sarah Dullage on 0191 2334310 or email sarah.dullage@rspb.org.uk.