Latest news with #RoyalSocietyfortheProtectionofBirds
Agriland
2 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Concerns grow over re-wilding impact on land value in parts of Northern Ireland
Concerns have been expressed that re-wilding could soon become a reality in many upland parts of Northern Ireland in the not-too-distant future, at the . Driving this process is the lack of succession currently taking place within the farming industry. James McHenry farms close to Glenariffe in north Co. Antrim. He has been a sheep farmer for many years and fears that his way of life could soon become a thing of the past. 'Young people, for the most part, do not see hill farming as an attractive career option,' he said. 'The next few years will see the current generation of farmers passing on. 'In many cases I can predict that the assets of these businesses with a meaningful value will be sold off and the land let go back to nature.' These are issues that have not gone unnoticed amongst policy staff members of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Northern Ireland. A heathland flower growing on the Garron Plateau in Co. Antrim They want to see meaningful supports made available to hill and upland farmers in recognition of the public good they can deliver in terms of peatland restoration and the encouragement of grazing systems that maximise biodiversity. These debates are taking place at a time when Northern Ireland's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) is about to be replaced by new farm support measures. RSPB's Mark McCormick commented: 'Hill farmers must be allowed to invest in the future of their businesses. And this means allowing them to make sustainable incomes. 'The potential of these farm businesses to deliver for the public good is immense. And they must be supported accordingly by central government.' According to the RSPB representative, peatland management and the introduction of bespoke, conservation-friendly grazing systems are equally valuable within a hill farming scenario. He believes that hill farming must be made an attractive career option for young farmers. If this is not achieved then the momentum to maintain the conservation value associated with large swathes of Northern Ireland will be lost. Re-wilding bog walk RSPB Northern Ireland staff recently hosted a visit to the Garron Plateau area of Co. Antrim for members of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists. This area of outstanding natural beauty is home to a significant number of farmers currently accessing the support monies made available through the EFS. And they are deeply concerned that funding has been withdrawn from the scheme for new entrants while replacement measures are agreed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers help endangered bird make stunning return with unexpected planting strategy: 'It is lovely to see the result'
Only a handful of endangered corncrakes return each year to Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland, but volunteers are working hard to increase their number by growing nettles to give them cover, the BBC reported. Corncrakes — mottled, yellow-brown birds with dark streaks on their backs and round bodies — are native to the UK and Ireland, migrating to Africa in the winter. They're known for the male's rattling mating call. Once widespread, their coverage in the UK has been greatly reduced to only part of Scotland and Northern Ireland. They are endangered and classified as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5. The population is so small that the three to five breeding males that have appeared on Rathlin Island over the last five years, and the two to three females per male, are a key population worth protecting. While one species of bird may not seem hugely important to the world, every species we lose is one we can never get back. It's impossible to predict what impact that might have on the broader ecosystem — like when killing wolves in the Yellowstone area damaged its soil, greenery, and surrounding farming ecology, and returning wolves to the area restored it. One barrier to breeding for corncrakes is that they're particularly shy. They need cover to nest in, and Rathlin Island doesn't have enough, which is where volunteer work and nettles come in. The nettle rhizomes are harvested all over Northern Ireland and then pressure-washed to remove any unwanted species that might be tagging along. They're bundled and shipped to Rathlin Island, where volunteers plant them in tilled ground around the edges of a cultivated field. There, they will take root and, thanks to the quick growth rate of this species, form tall and thick cover where the corncrakes can hide when they return from their migration. "Next season there will be nettles growing and hopefully corncrake will choose the place to breed," said Anne Guichard, a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds conservation officer, per the BBC. This ongoing project has already produced breeding grounds for the birds. "It is lovely to see the result and realize how productive nettles are," said Glenise Morgan, a participant from a nettle dig in Ballycastle that helped supply the project, per the BBC. "I look forward to hearing that we have more corncrakes in the area." Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Threatened island species makes comeback after massive numbers of predators are removed: 'The signs are really promising'
After several years of efforts at controlling an invasive predator species, a rare shorebird called the curlew is making a comeback in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland, the BBC reported. The issue these birds faced was stoats — an animal similar to a large weasel, which, in addition to hunting rabbits and smaller rodents, also eats birds and their eggs. It's not entirely clear how stoats made their way to the islands; they may have been stowaways on cargo ships carrying hay or other imports, or they may have been introduced intentionally to kill rabbits. Regardless of the reasons, the ground-nesting curlews were easy prey for the invasive stoats, and in 2019, it appeared that the curlew population had decreased by half in a mere decade, with only 12 breeding pairs of the birds per square mile across the territory. That was when the Orkney Native Wildlife Project leapt into action, beginning a project to humanely cull over 7,000 stoats in the six years since. It is believed to be the biggest predator cull conducted on an inhabited island, and it achieved results. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says the curlew population is up 21% in the archipelago (unlike the rest of Scotland and the UK where they're still declining), and there are now 14.5 breeding pairs per square mile. "It is fantastic to see that the hard work of the project team and many volunteers is starting to restore a positive future for vulnerable species in Orkney," Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, told the BBC. "This is the first major population survey for waders since work started to remove stoats from Orkney and the signs are really promising, as we see declines for curlew reversed." The recovery of the curlew in Scotland is not to be taken for granted. The related slender-billed curlew was officially declared extinct in 2024 after many years without sightings. These birds exist in a precarious balance with their environments and the human population, and all our choices affect their chance of survival. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nature reserve bridleway connects two villages
Two villages have been connected by foot for the first time via a bridleway through a nature reserve. The 2km (1.24-mile) route between Firsdown and Pitton, east of Salisbury, will be enjoyed by walkers, horse riders and cyclists, said Wiltshire Council. It runs through Roundbarrow Nature Reserve, land that is being transformed from an intensive dairy farm to chalk grassland by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Councillor Paul Sample said: "This bridleway will give residents and visitors a front row view to see landscape restoration in action – and will encourage people to get out and about to enjoy nature and all its benefits." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire The reserve is being created on 120 hectares of former farmland being leased to the RSPB by the council. It is hoped the reserve will attract ground-nesting birds such as the rare stone curlew and lapwing. The idea for the bridleway came after the council sought local opinions on ways to enhance the area. Mr Sample said: "We look forward to welcoming people to this very picturesque part of the county and for them to enjoy the resurgence of wildlife in the adjacent fields." Patrick Cashman, RSPB site manager for Wiltshire's nature reserves, said the charity was "delighted" to be working with the council to "achieve something meaningful at scale for wildlife". He added: "This is a rare opportunity to create a new downland nature reserve from scratch. "Users of the new permissive bridleway will be able to witness the changing view over the coming years from species-poor grasslands and crops towards a more colourful vista as a haven for the characteristic birds, bees, butterflies, and blooms of the Wiltshire chalk." Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Ex-dairy farm to be turned into RSPB reserve Group given £50k to turn land into nature reserve Bid to transform former farm into nature reserve Wiltshire Council RSPB
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Two fruits you should leave out in garden to attract birds during breeding season
As we head towards the height of the British spring, the RSPB has advised gardeners to leave out two fruits for birds At this time of year your garden should be bustling with all sorts of birds - as sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and many other British favourites enter breeding and nesting season. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued advice to Brits on how to help our feathered friends during their breeding and nesting season. Gardeners are urged to leave out two specific fruits - apples and pears - during March, April and May. According to the RSPB, a variety of different foods should be left out for different birds at different times of year, including sunflower seeds, uncooked oats, suet and mealworms. However, if you're looking for a quick and inexpensive way to assist birds, simply slice up some apples and pears and leave them out on your lawn or bird table, reports the Express. The RSPB says: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them. "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds." It's also important to note that different birds feed in different locations - some prefer to 'ground feed' instead of coming to a bird table. The RSPB says: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground." This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which also prefer ground feeding, though they usually eat seeds. When placing food on the ground, opt for a wide, open area, far from hedges and potential cat hiding spots. Birds tend to avoid feeding in locations where they're vulnerable to predators like cats. If using a bird table, particularly a flat one, ensure it's regularly cleaned with hot soapy water. This is crucial as the RSPB has temporarily withdrawn flat, open bird tables from sale while investigating their potential role in disease transmission. The RSPB also advises: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly." Gardeners should avoid putting out all salted foods - which dehydrates birds. Cooked food should not be placed out as it can attract rats. Loose peanuts should not be put out, i nstead it should be placed inside of a feederso that small chunks can be pecked at. Poor quality peanuts can carry the aflatoxin fungus, which kills birds if they eat it. Make sure you buy peanuts that are guaranteed aflatoxin-free from a reputable supplier. The RSPB also advises against putting out dry, hard foods or bread during the spring or summer months. Parent birds might take these back to their nests and their young can choke on it.
