Andrew Holland writes.....
My name is Andrew Holland and I am the Brecks Farm Conservation Adviser and as the name suggests I work closely with farmers and landowners in the Brecks. After working on the family farm in Lancashire for 28 years, starting work for the RSPB last year was a huge change in direction.
Farmland covers 60% of the Brecks and is therefore a very important habitat for wildlife. It is fantastic to see so many different species within the Brecks, which are not found in Lancashire. In fact there are many species that are not found outside the Brecks full stop, like the spring speedwell and spanish catchfly to name a couple.
My work involves helping farmers to look after the wildlife they have on their farms and to increase the amount of species or at least stop the number from declining and restore or create new habitats. This involves conversations over the phone, farm visits or helping them with their agri-environment schemes. These schemes allow farmers to create suitable habitat for all nature, whether it is through planting new hedgerows, sowing nectar mixes for pollinators, like bumblebees, sowing wild bird seed mixes for farmland bird’s for over-winter food or restoring ponds for a vast range of species. This requires them setting land aside for wildlife in return for a payment to compensate the loss of ground for growing crops. This money comes from you and me the tax payer. I personally think this is a great way for our money to be spent, protecting and enhancing the countryside. Have you ever considered writing to your local MP in support of these schemes, this would go along way to help secure the continued funding for these agri-environment schemes. Every farm is different and provides a different challenge, but with the commitment and enthusiasm of the farmers we can make a difference in the countryside. They are real wildlife heroes!
Wild flowers on farmland by Andy Hay (www.rspbimages.com)
One species that is at the fore front of conservation challenges in the Brecks is the stone-curlew. The Brecks holds the largest breeding population in the UK. The farmers I have worked with so far are really committed to protecting this iconic bird, which nests quite often on farmland. The light, sandy, stony soils of the Brecks are ideal for these ground nesting birds. They arrive in early spring from a warmer climate to nest. This is a shallow scrape in the ground, which will have two eggs in. Through the agri-environment schemes there is an option to create safe ground nesting areas for them. If we can encourage more birds to nest on these safe areas instead of in the commercial crops this would be great.
Yes, the wildlife is different in the Brecks and I feel privileged to be working in an area with a vast diversity of species and habitats, with farmers who want to do their best to retain it.
Andrew HollandRSPB Brecks Farm Conservation Advisor