Free bird surveys on farms start up again

Editorial Department • Published 4 Feb 2010 12:09 0 Comments

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Phelim Connolly, Volunteer, and Leamon Hutchinson, Farmer, Co Fermanagh, carry out a V&FA survey for the RSPB.

A scheme where farmers can learn more about the bird life on their farm through a series of surveys, is available again this year, the RSPB has announced

If you love wildlife and the countryside, sign up for the RSPB Volunteer and Farmer Alliance Project, they say.

The RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance Project is back in action after a three-year gap, giving farmers and volunteers the opportunity to join forces to protect our natural diversity.

Recognising the vital role farmers play as custodians of our environment, the RSPB is offering a free, no obligation, totally confidential bird survey.

"We are hoping that farmers all over Northern Ireland will register for this unique survey, but we need farmers especially from the west of the Bann," says Patsy Harbinson, RSPB.

"If you have a farm and would like to know the birds that can be found on it, contact us at once. We'll match a volunteer with you and when the surveys are done, you'll get a map showing you what birds you have on your farm and where they are located."

Volunteers will be paired up with a local farm where they carry out three to four local surveys between April and July. Visits usually take three to four hours, depending on the size of the farm and terrain. Results are then computerised to show where vulnerable species are located.

"We're delighted V&FA is back," says Patsy. "Thanks to help from EU LIFE+ funding, we will be able to have a good idea about the birds that inhabit the Northern Irish countryside."

Another person who is very glad the programme has resumed is Volunteer Farmland Bird Surveyor, Deborah Barton.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the surveys and am looking forward to future surveys. I had forgotten how enjoyable it was to walk in the countryside at dawn - with the added bonus of doing something worthwhile. The information and support this provides farmers is essential."

Deborah, who surveyed farms for three years, can't wait to get back in the field.

"It has been a privilege to share knowledge and often let farmers know about the amazing birdlife on their doorstep. I have found the interaction as an RSPB volunteer with the farmer has enhanced their appreciation and support for improving farmland habitat for birds and wildlife," she said.

"Personally, the support and preparation provided by RSPB and their thorough V&FA guidelines gave me the confidence to have a go at field surveying. I have significantly developed my bird identification skills, particularly bird song and calls recognition, which opened my ears to a new way of enjoying birds. I have appreciated having that little bit of incentive to get up early and really enjoyed the dawn walks on farmland.

"RSPB don't recommend surveying in the rain so mornings were often clear and beautiful. Survey highlights for me included hearing a water rail call, and thrilling views of a kingfisher (that I had to drag myself away from to complete the day's survey!). It's been encouraging, too, to hear from the farmers their enthusiasm for making wildlife conservation an integral part of farm management."

To be a volunteer, you need to have reasonable fitness, experience in identifying birds by sight and sound although training is provided, and usually a car, but the RSPB does cover the cost of petrol.

If you're interested in either having a bird survey done on your farm or becoming a volunteer, contact Patsy Harbinson at the RSPB Belfast Headquarters. Email: patricia.harbinson@rspb.org.uk Phone: 028 9049 1957.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Feb 10

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