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RSPB Scotland asks for helping hand with wader-friendly farming

Last modified: 09 March 2010

Curlew profile
Curlew populations in Scotland dropped by over 50% between 1995 and 2007. Curlew profile - Steve Round

Farmland wading birds, like lapwing and curlew, were once a common sight in Scotland’s countryside but now, due to a range of issues, their numbers in some parts of Scotland are in serious decline. To try to reverse this trend RSPB Scotland is asking farmers to do their bit to help ensure that we do not lose these fantastic birds from our countryside, as has happened in other parts of the United Kingdom.

The conservation charity is calling on farmers across Scotland, to practice wader-friendly farming and is offering free advice on how farmers can help breeding waders - at little or no cost to themselves.

Scotland holds a significant proportion of Europe’s wader populations. The birds are a characteristic feature of much of Scotland’s agricultural countryside.  From the tumbling displays of lapwings over newly cultivated fields in the East, or redshanks on low lying grasslands in Central Scotland, to the distinct call of the curlew over upland grasslands and moorland in the North and West. These breeding waders were once commonplace in suitable farmland across the country. However, official monitoring figures (RSPB/BTO/JNCC Breeding Bird Survey 1995-2007) show that numbers have dropped over time.

It is thought that these declines may be down to four main factors; changes in vegetation structure caused by either over- or under-grazing; drainage or loss of wet areas; increase in predators and changes in weather and climate. Although some measures are beyond our control (for example, bad weather at nesting time), there are certain land management measures that farmers can implement to help ensure wader breeding is successful. These include carefully managing wet or damp patches in a part of the field or simply taking measures to protect nesting birds when cultivating land, such as not rolling fields in April and May where breeding wading birds are nesting.

Mark O’Brien, Advisory Manager at RSPB Scotland said: “ Farmland waders are wonderful birds but sadly they are struggling at the moment. RSPB Scotland recognises that farmers play a vital part in countryside conservation. We are hoping to hear from farmers, and learn more about what is already being done to help these birds.  We are also offering tips and information to those who want to help waders both during or just after the nesting season. The future of these birds depends on farmers and crofters and we are sure many will want to help.”

Jim McLaren, President of the National Farmers Union in Scotland added: “Many farmers get pleasure from helping wading birds that nest on their farmland.  NFUS supports this campaign to raise awareness amongst farmers of the opportunity for wader-friendly farming across Scotland.  Many farmers are already taking positive action.  I believe that by working together with the RSPB and other organisations to raise farmers awareness of the simple management changes which can help bird life, we can make sure there is a sustainable future for Scottish farmers and wildlife alike.”

Patrick Krause, Chief Executive of the Scottish Crofting Foundation added: “It has been clear for some time that actively managed croft land is home to vast numbers of wading birds such as lapwings, snipe and redshank. Sometimes we take for granted just how important Scottish croftland is for these birds. The SCF is keen to identify the wildlife and other benefits of active crofting. Working with the RSPB is one way of doing this.”

For further information about improving conditions for farmland waders or to share examples of water-friendly farming, email waderfriendlyfarming@rspb.org.uk