This week saw the launch of the British Trust for Ornithology, Bird Atlas 2007 – 2011. The Atlas presents 19 million records taken by over 40,000 volunteers across Britain and Ireland. Every species covered by the atlas has a story to tell and the findings show there have been many swings in fortunes over this period.
The Atlas shows that farmland birds and upland birds have not fared so well and are showing shifting ranges and declining numbers.
Despite being one of the most exciting publications in the conservation world, the Bird Atlas, like the State of Nature report sadly confirms the harsh reality that our much-loved wildlife is struggling to maintain a foothold in our countryside.
To address these declines RSPB Cymru is campaigning to secure a countryside richer in nature and is calling on all its supporters to take action.
In January, the Welsh Government will be carrying out a review of Glastir. This agri-environment scheme is one of the most powerful tools we can use to protect and support our countryside wildlife. Up to £80 million of public money is paid to farmers and landowners in Wales through Glastir to manage the countryside in a way that protects and restores farmland and countryside wildlife.
Tell the Welsh Government to secure a countryside richer in nature today.
Glastir pays farmers to carry out work on their land that will benefit wildlife, such as managing hedgerows, creating and maintaining ponds, and planting crops to provide food for birds through the winter. The work paid for through Glastir can ensure, despite drastic declines, priority species including lapwing, chough and water voles can still be found in our countryside.
If we want future generations to have access to a Welsh countryside rich in nature, where once common birds such as curlew and lapwing once again thrive, then it is vital that Glastir is sufficiently funded. Moreover, the scheme must be designed to provide all the requirements a species needs including feeding and breeding areas.
RSPB Cymru believes its right that everyone has their say on how this £80m of public money is used to benefit the people, environment and wildlife of Wales. Have your say today.