Everyone thinks of the island of Ireland as the Emerald Isle, with rolling fields of green. What most don’t realise, is over 75% of that green is farmland in Northern Ireland. The State of Nature report 2023 highlights that the way we use our land for agriculture is one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss here. That is why promoting nature-friendly farming is so important.
To help do my bit for nature-friendly farming, I am carrying out farmland bird surveys for the County Down Farmland Bird Initiative (CDFBI) which is a project that works towards reversing the decline of our farmland birds here in Northern Ireland (specifically County Down), by promoting nature-friendly farming to our farmers. This is achieved by encouraging farms to apply into an agri-environment scheme, which supports farms financially to do this.
The surveys are a great way of building positive relationships with farmers. RSPB Conservation Officers can then, using the information collected during the surveys, give the farmers advice on how to farm in a more nature-friendly way, such as creating pollinator strips or seed rich habitat like over-winter stubble – to act as bird feed. The farmers also receive a survey report and get informed of the different species found on their farms which is often an incentive for them to keep up the good work.
Since agri-environment schemes are voluntary schemes, campaigning and promoting them is so important. Farmers can also receive upskilling sessions as part of the CDFBI, in areas such as hedge laying – meaning they can do this work in their own time too.
There are six priority farmland species that this project surveys – including Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Linnet, Tree Sparrow and Lapwing. Over time, this data is used to track how populations are changing overtime in response to positive farmland management. Additionally, we advise farmers on how to support Barn Owl and Kestrel populations.
As a young person from Northern Ireland who has always cared about nature, knowing that majority of our land here is agricultural and we are one of the most nature depleted countries in the world – this can be disheartening! Work needs done and fast and this is why I’m participating in these projects and campaigns.
Nature-friendly farming benefits all – including the creation of a space for nature and thriving ecosystems, a livelihood for farmers and food production that is sustainable for the wider community, for generations to come.
Join us as we ask Minister for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs - Andrew Muir - to support an ambitious ‘Farming with Nature’ package for farmers.
Show your support by taking RSPB NI's e-action now!