Farmers and landowners will be able to find out more about helping farmland birds at a series of free workshops in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire.
Five wildlife-friendly workshops, which will be run by the RSPB, have been funded by Defra's Vocational Training Scheme (VTS), which is delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS). They will be held in November, December and January and places are still available for those who would like to attend.
The following workshops are planned for the autumn and winter:
Date Subject Location
17 November 2005 Management for South Elmham Hall, St Cross,
farmland birds (near Harleston) Suffolk
8 December 2005 Farmland bird Ken Hill Estate, Sedgeford,
walk (near Hunstanton) Norfolk
15 December 2005 Management for Grange Farm, Knapwell (near
farmland birds Cambridge) Cambridgeshire
10 January 2006 Farmland bird Lodge Farm, Carlton Scroop,
identification near Grantham, Lincolnshire
18 January 2006 Management for Bury Farm, Nuthampstead,
farmland birds (near Royston) Hertfordshire
Ian Trouse, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the East of England, said:
"These workshops provide a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to get out and learn more about managing their land in a bird-friendly way.
"This training will make good use of both RSPB expertise and farms with a strong commitment to enhancing the environment. The sites chosen have had existing land management schemes, such as Countryside Stewardship and offer excellent examples of what can be achieved in farming in balance with nature.
The training will be a useful step in preparing applications for new payments under Environmental Stewardship, which can benefit both wildlife and farm businesses."
RSPB farmland adviser Andy Cotton said:
"Farmland birds depend on farmers to provide them with safe nesting sites and food for themselves and their chicks. Environmental Stewardship provides the means to create habitats on farms that benefit a wide range of species.
"The RSPB is working in partnership with many farmers to ensure a healthy future for farmland wildlife."
For more information and to register for the free-of-charge workshops, contact Andy on 01603 697586, mobile 07841 804873 e-mail andy.cotton@rspb.org.uk