Farmland bird surveys available

The RSPB is urging Orkney’s farmers and crofters to sign up for a free farmland bird survey.

A trained volunteer will visit the farm or croft to survey the species of birds present during the breeding season and participants will then receive a map of the birds recorded on their land and advice to help them target their management to benefit wildlife.

The data collected can be helpful in guiding and supporting Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) Rural Priorities applications and a chance for those already in agri-environment schemes to see how their management is impacting on birds.

The surveys depend on finding local volunteers so the RSPB is looking for surveyors with bird identification skills, willing to spare three mornings during the breeding season to survey a local croft or farm. For more information, to sign up for a survey, or to volunteer to carry out surveys, contact Nathalie Pion on nathalie.pion@rspb.org.uk or 01950 460800 or visit the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance webpage at www.rspb.org.uk/vandfa.