The RSPB has thanked farmers in the Glenwherry area for their dedication and co-operation to protect threatened bird species on their land.
The Antrim Hills are a hotspot for breeding waders such as lapwing, snipe and curlew. This species group has declined by a massive 83 per cent in Northern Ireland since 1987 but around Glenwherry these birds have been on the increase since 2011, with an impressive 164 pairs recorded last year.
Image: Curlew by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
This has been made possible by the work of local wildlife-friendly farmers who, through the RSPB’s Halting Environmental Loss Project (HELP), have been taking advice from Neal Warnock, their local RSPB Project Officer. Nearly £1.5 million has been given to HELP in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland from the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Programme, which is delivered locally by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Breeding waders require wet grassland habitat with variable grass heights and some rush cover for nesting, shelter and raising their young. Rush management and good grazing practices ensures land is more productive and also benefits wildlife.
Image: Snipe by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
However it is not advisable to carry out field operations in fields likely to have ground nesting birds during the breeding season. As well as breeding waders, several other birds such as meadow pipit and skylark also nest on the ground. In fact farmers who have entered agri-environment schemes are asked not to carry out field operations such as rolling or fertilising between 15 April and 30 June in suitable breeding wader fields. This period extends to 15 July for farmers wishing to cut rush.
Neal commented: “I have been really impressed by the way farmers in the area have embraced HELP and many clearly have a real passion for seeing these birds thrive on their land. Thanks to the success of the project so far, birds have begun nesting in places they haven’t been seen for many years. I have been delighted to work alongside several farmers who have kindly agreed to delay field operations, such as silage cutting, due to having nesting lapwing present – that kind of consideration is so important to ensure that nature can make its home in Glenwherry.”
Glenwherry farmers can contact Neal for advice by emailing neal.warnock@rspb.org.uk or calling 07703716840.