Call for Cheshire farmers to volunteer for bird project

Jan 28 2010 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

THE RSPB is putting out a final call for farmers in Cheshire to sign up to a bird survey project that could boost their incomes while helping the wildlife on their land.

The Volunteer & Farmer Alliance (V&FA), run by the RSPB, offers farmers a free survey of the breeding birds on their land, carried out by a local volunteers.

It is a great way for farmers to find out vital information about birds on the farm.

A trained volunteer visits the farm in April and June to survey the different species of birds present and the results are plotted on a unique ‘bird map’ that can help farmers target their work to benefit wildlife. The information on these bird hotspot maps can help bring in new income, as the data can be used to aid applications for agri-environment grants such as Higher Level Stewardship.

Farmers who would like to find out more about the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance project can contact Carol Coupe on 01524 581 008 or email carol.coupe@rspb.org.uk