Call to improve habitat for wading birds
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FARMERS and land managers around Tomintoul and Glenlivet are being offered specialist equipment to improve habitats for nationally declining wading birds.
A rush topper and weed wiper are available for loan for the management of rushes, creating better conditions for feeding and nesting birds as well as improving grazing for livestock.
Led by RSPB Scotland, the aim of the Peesie Project is to protect and create the best possible habitat for lowland farmland waders, where they have one of the highest densities in the north east of Scotland.
The equipment was purchased thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund provided through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership (TGLP).
Andy Duffus, who farms at Auchriachan, Tomintoul used the equipment last year to cut an area of rank rushes in front of the Tomintoul Bird Hide.
He said "Since cutting back the rushes last autumn, the fields have attracted more lapwings this year and we have seen a lot more chicks and birds feeding around the muddy scrapes. It’s also improved the quality of grazing for the cattle."
Catherine Owen-Pam, RSPB’s conservation adviser, added: "It’s rewarding to see the difference this management has made, with both lapwing and oystercatcher breeding and producing young in the area in front of the hide."
Polly Freeman, TGLP’s land management officer, said: "This equipment is a great resource for farmers in Tomintoul and Glenlivet, benefitting farmland waders such as lapwing, known locally as Peesies, and curlews, both species that are suffering huge declines across the UK."
She added: "The equipment is available for loan to farmers annually between August 1 and March 1 which is the recommended time to use the equipment outwith the nesting and breeding season. "There is a small administrative fee of £70 which includes delivery and collection."
For more information on borrowing the machinery, contact Alistair Young Engineering on 01309 611335 or Polly Freeman, TGLP land management officer by email at Polly@tomintoulandglenlivet.com or on 01807 580350.
