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RSPB and farmers battling with the elements!
Last modified: 22 December 2011
Ever wondered what Fermanagh is famous for? Well, many people would name water, whether via fishing, boating, the magical landscapes of the Loughs, or simply the stuff that falls from the sky. Equally, the beautiful wetlands created by this water once played host to internationally renowned populations of wading birds such as curlew and redshank.
Alas, driven by habitat loss, many of their breeding fields have fallen silent. The RSPB, working with local graziers, has undertaken field management to help stem and reverse these wader declines on several Lower Lough islands. Heartened by indications that national trends can be bucked by this more traditional form of land management, our collective efforts are being redoubled.
Giles Knight, Project Officer, joined the RSPB in the spring of 2011 to raise awareness, offer advice to landowners and increase the focus on the Upper Lough. The European Regional Development Fund is funding his role in tandem with essential habitat management. This is via the INTERREG IVA Programme, as administered by the Special European Union Programmes Body. The ‘Halting Environmental Loss Project’ or ‘HELP’ as it is known, has launched a programme of works designed to deliver a genuine success story in these troubled times.
As Fermanagh’s farmers will know, getting onto the land can be the first dilemma as climate change takes hold. However, an active but sensitive style of farming is precisely what these disappearing species need. Giles comments, “as ground nesting birds, breeding waders need open wetlands, ideally lightly grazed in spring. More heavy stocking should commence from late July onwards with regular rush control and prevention of scrub encroachment.” He added, “far from leaving the wildlife to itself, wetland species need farmers to actively manage their fields. Rush and scrub infestation are detrimental to both farmers and breeding waders alike”.
With this in mind, the RSPB is currently undertaking and advising on carefully planned scrub clearance in and around these goldmines of biodiversity. Where scrub has grown up or out through years of under-management, the balance is being restored. Larger trees that overlook the wetlands are also considered for removal. Respecting the value of the many trees and hedges that Fermanagh features means being selective as to where operations occur, while taking every opportunity to aid community understanding of the strategic nature of these vital conservation works.
With the blessing of the necessary government departments, several key island sites will be brought back into favourable condition through scrub removal this winter. The right ‘feel’ to these fields in March is critical; to persuade breeding waders to first settle, then nest and successfully raise young during the spring. Meantime, Giles is developing and refining his advisory message to encourage farmers to enhance the management of up to 1000 ha of farmland.
The farming community continues to demonstrate genuine concern for the wetlands and their wildlife, as RSPB through HELP and DARDs agri-environment schemes continue to support the farmer. As at least two Upper Lough farmers commented, “it’ll be a sad day when the curlew stops calling”. This day need not arrive, because the losses for which we are all culpable, are already being turned into gains as we work together to help each other and our wildlife.