National Lottery Heritage Fund

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Corncrake Calling is a four-year project to save one of Scotland’s rarest and most secretive birds. Once widespread across the UK, Corncrake populations have fallen dramatically as farming and agricultural production have intensified. They are now found only on some Scottish islands and in parts of the northwest coast of Scotland, with an unstable population. RSPB Scotland has been working with crofters and farmers for decades to improve management for Corncrakes and other wildlife and provide support with farmland bird and ecological surveys. Management focuses on, firstly, increasing the area of suitable tall vegetation, ensuring that sufficient cover is available in spring/autumn to conceal Corncrakes and, secondly, delaying the mid-summer mowing date and mowing fields in a Corncrake-friendly way to allow flightless chicks to escape.

Corncrake Calling includes three key workstreams: building on the longstanding work with farmers and crofters to increase the area under positive land management; engaging and educating the public about the species and the vital role of farming in its survival; advocating for future rural development policies which better support farmers and crofters who farm in a nature and climate-friendly way.

Hyde’s Heath sits in the UK’s first Super National Nature Reserve: Purbeck Heath. Surrounding Poole Harbour, the Super NNR has become a wildlife haven. Here, visitors can be treated to glimpses of soaring White-tailed Eagles and fishing Ospreys while the heathland habitat holds host to all six of the UK’s native reptiles. 
 
Formerly 67 hectares of tree plantation, Hyde’s Heath borders RSPB Arne and Arne Moors. Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the land at Hyde’s Heath was acquired by the RSPB in 2019 and is now undergoing an ambitious transformation to restore invaluable low-lying heathland. Non-native pines are being removed to allow for the growth of gorse and heather which supports scarce species, such as the Dartford Warbler.
 
Hyde’s Heath is now home to new trails, where visitors can soak up views across the Wareham channel towards Corfe Castle and learn about the importance of heathland habitats. 
 
The project has engaged local people with their heritage, especially those who are currently under-represented at RSPB Arne, including children and families, young people, and people with health and wellbeing needs. The funding allowed for the introduction of a shuttle bus, which operated seasonally between Wareham and RSPB Arne, allowing for easier, wider and more affordable access. To date it has provided 1,402 passenger trips!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund provided funding called Covid Recovery Programme from Department for Communities (NI) to help respond to the risks that COVID-19 brought to RSPB NI.

This grant went towards RSPB NI Covid Response Program, making our sites safer for all when reopening by providing the funds for PPE, screens, sanitisers and signage detailing our safety guidance.

Staff were kept digitally connected by providing iPhones, mobile camera equipment and nest cams. This allowed for live streaming from RSPB NI reserves to social media platforms, keeping our followers engaged and involved in conservation work during the pandemic.

The funds also allowed for essential repairs to be done at RSPB NI sites and helped to support staff working on valuable conservation work.