EU cash helps keep farm bird survey aloft

European Union funding will help extend a successful survey of bird life on Scottish farms, with landowners in Shetland eligible to take part for the first time.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Feb 2011, 21:44 BST

Updated 23rd Feb 2011, 21:43 BST

The surveys are organised through an RSPB project called the Volunteer & Farmer Alliance. The conservation charity will begin the survey in April, and it is urging those interested in taking part to sign up quickly, as spaces can fill up fast.

More than 120 farms were surveyed across Scotland in 2010, with an average of 30 species recorded on every farm. Last year brought some unusual and exciting sightings, including a migrating black redstart on a farm in Aberdeenshire, while a volunteer in the Borders was rewarded with a spectacular view of a hunting hen harrier.

The surveys, carried out by trained RSPB volunteers, help paint a clearer picture of bird numbers in our countryside.

They can also help land managers apply for agri-environment funding under the Scotland Rural Development Programme.