A PROJECT has been launched to protect birds and their habitats in the South Pennines.
The South Pennine Birds Project has been created by the RSPB bird conservation charity, English Nature and a special Government fund.
The aim is to encourage the farming community to adjust their land management practices to benefit birds.
The project is also working to secure cash for conservation work on the South Pennine Moors.
In 2004, the project has managed to bring 363 hectares of land into the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
The scheme is a new one and means farmers get paid for using environmentally friendly farming methods.
The scheme is paid for by money set aside in the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy budget.
The South Pennine Birds Project has helped 11 farms in the area join the scheme, giving them £35,000 in payments.
Karen Davies has been appointed project officer.
She said: "I have been astounded by the enthusiasm farmers and landowners have shown for the birds on their land and the lengths some have gone to to protect and encourage birds.
"By working with farmers and landowners, I look forward to a time when birds are no longer so scarce in our country- side," she added.
