4 December 2006

A partnership between farmers and RSPB volunteers is helping
farmland birds for the fifth year running

This summer, 83 RSPB volunteers have been helping 60 farmers throughout Eastern England learn about the birds on their land. Keen volunteers rise with the lark to carry out three early morning surveys between late April and lune and record the birds that they see and hear.

Tree Sparrow - Andrew Hay RSPB

Their records are used by project staff to create a map for the farmer, showing exactly where on their land birds of conservation concern are found. The RSPB hopes that providing this information to farmers will encourage them to increase their yield of farmland birds through wildlife-friendly management.

Shelley Gentle, project officer for the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance says that the scheme, which is free and confidential, is so popular that they are already fully subscribed for next summer. "My experience is that many farmers are keen to learn about the birds on their farm and will do their best to benefit wildlife if possible. This is a very positive project as by pairing farms with local volunteers, farmers are able to discover the kind of birds they have on their land and how to
encourage them. At the same time, volunteers are able to enjoy birdwatching, while learning about farming first hand.

Watton Produce, a family-owned vegetable production company and winners of the 2002 Eastern Daily Press Business of the Year award, is one example that farming and wildlife can co-exist. Surveyed by the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance project last year, Watton Produce has a commitment to manage its land for wildlife. Spring-sown vegetable crops, well-planned hedgerow management and the provision of grass margins around crops ensure that suitable nesting sites and food sources are available to birds and other wildlife. Several important farmland bird species, including lapwing, grey partridge, turtle dove and tree sparrow, are present on its land, having declined in many areas.

Skylark - Chris Gomersall RSPB

Shelley Gentle RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance Project Officer