          |
UK farming projects
|
Projects
The projects outlined have helped to create the diverse landscape and habitats essential to the survival of our much-loved wildlife. Species recovery projectsThrough active partnership with the RSPB, many farmers are championing the recovery of individual bird species that have declined in numbers in recent years. Lapwings and tree sparrows, corn buntings and stone-curlews – all these are good examples of birds that can be helped by positive, targeted management. The Volunteer & Farmer AllianceNo-one knows your farm as well as you do – your crops, your animals, your yields. What about the birds, though? Many farmers do know their birds, but many others have found out about the birds on their farms through the RSPB’s Volunteer & Farmer Alliance. 'We recognise the vital role that farmers play in safeguarding wildlife for everyone to enjoy' - Dr Mark Avery, RSPB Specially trained volunteers carry out a free, confidential bird survey and the results of this are presented to the farmer on a map, accompanied by a full species list. We also supply information to you on how you can help the birds you already have and encourage more to come onto your land. The scheme has been so popular that, by 2003, about 2,000 farmers had taken part. Land management projectsMany birds have adapted to live on farms and rely on farmland management to provide them with food and nest sites. Farmers and the RSPB are working together to ensure that birds’ needs are met, both on the RSPB’s land and on farms elsewhere. For example, we issue more than 300 grazing licences to local graziers every year to help us create and maintain valuable wildlife habitats on our nature reserves. Research projectsFarmers are helping the RSPB to find answers to many questions about the challenges faced by farmland birds. Working together, we can develop practices that farmers can use to safeguard the wildlife on their farms. A good example of this cooperative process is the Bird Aid project, in which more than 100 farmers in the UK are helping us to find out if providing seed throughout the winter improves birds’ survival and future breeding success. RSPB staff – providing a helping handMany RSPB staff work closely with farmers, helping them with their vital conservation work. For example, RSPB staff provide advice on land management, help with agri-environment applications and promote the conservation work of farmers to a wider audience. Last modified: 16 February 2007 |
%20180_tcm9-44477.jpg)
Insect on dewy ears of barley - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Herd of cows, West Sedgemoor RSPB reserve - David Kjaer (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11413_0029)
Archie Carmichael (L, on tractor) & Gus Keys (R = site manager) in farm yard at Kinnabus. Mull of Oa RSPB reserve. Islay - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2005_9857_009)