How RSPB Scotland works with farmers to protect nature

Published - 7 May 2025
Written by - Gabija Dragunaite (who is working with us as part of her Masters Degree with the University of Glasgow).
Topic - A conversation with Chris Bailey our Advisory Manager, about the work we do with farmers across Scotland. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your role and how you came to be doing it?

“I’ve been Advisory Manager at RSPB Scotland for the past 13 years, but I have been with the RSPB for 24. Before coming to Scotland, I managed RSPB’s Hope Farm, which is an arable unit in England where we’re developing new nature-friendly farming techniques that we can then share with the rest of the farming community.

In my role as Advisory Manager, I oversee most of our face-to face advisory work with farmers and crofters in Scotland and I am involved in many of the projects we are involved in to help particular priority species like Corncrake, Corn Bunting, Black Grouse and waders.

I’ve always passionately believed that farming is part of the solution and has a very important role to play in reversing biodiversity decline; my role allows me to work with farmers to try and deliver meaningful change”.

Can you tell us a bit about your team?

“We have 6 core advisors who work to build strong relationships with crofters and farmers and provide support to help them help nature. That’s a small team in comparison to the number of farmers, so they are run off their feet! Where we have a priority, for example, where we know that there are important populations of species that need help in particular places, they will proactively reach out to farmers and crofters and try to explore how it might be possible to integrate management for that species into their normal business operations.

We all completely appreciate that farmers are running businesses and any action for nature must fit with the business. We help many farmers that are applying to the Agri-Environment & Climate Scheme, advising them and their agricultural advisors on scheme design to get the best outcomes for these species and for their businesses”.

Do you have some examples of the way that you and your team have been working with farmers to help nature?

“Absolutely! We start by identifying areas where species are in decline, then we work with our science colleagues to pinpoint the causes and test solutions. Once we have a clear idea of what we think needs to be done, we reach out to farmers to see if we can work with them to turn things around.

For example, with regard to Corn Bunting, we worked out that the main issue was related to food supply and so we’ve worked with farmers to introduce cover crops, wild bird seed mixtures and fallow winter fields. We’ve supplied seed in some cases and assisted in securing Agri-Environment Climate Scheme funding. We find that farmers are very engaged and actively want to help. Through this partnership we’ve seen positive results with populations in Fife increasing nearly four-fold in the last decade.

Another example is our work to help Corncrake. Back in the 1980s, Corncrake numbers were looking extremely bleak. This once common bird was down to 430 calling males. We researched the challenges and found that one of the main issues related to grass management. Since then, we’ve been working with crofters and farmers to encourage delayed mowing and then when the grass is cut we’ve encouraged wildlife-friendly mowing.

To achieve this in recent years we’ve supported around 300 crofters and farmers in adopting nature-friendly practices through the Corncrake Calling project. This project has expanded Corncrake-suitable habitat by approximately 2000 ha, contributing to a reversal of recent declines in Scotland. Although the numbers are down from a high point in 2014, last year there were around 880 calling males”.

What challenges do you face in your work?

“The biggest challenge is probably around funding. We know that there are many farmers right across the country who want to do more for nature. They care about their farms and can see some of the changes that have been happening. But they are also running businesses and helping nature can sometimes cost the business money.

This is why the government steps in with the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, but the scheme is poorly funded and perceived as being overly bureaucratic. Many are put off by the cost of applying with no guarantee of a successful application. While Agri-environment schemes are vital and its important they are maintained and well-funded, we have to find additional ways to help farmers and crofters help nature.

The other issue is around capacity. Agri-environment action focused on species and habitats tends to require specialist advice. We do our best to provide it (mostly for free at the moment, thanks to the support of our members), but there are so many farmers that we can only scratch the surface of the advice that is needed. Really, we need to see a much bigger emphasis from government on increasing the advice provision on biodiversity, climate and the wider environment”.

 What’s the best bit of your job?

“The best bit is getting out on farms and crofts, talking with farmers and crofters about the wildlife on their farms. It’s great to meet such knowledgeable and passionate people who want to make a difference. I just wish I had more time to do it!”