THE RSPB is appealing to farmers and land managers in the Forest of Bowland to help nature thrive on their land.

The charity is offering free advice and support to anyone who wants to manage their land in a more wildlife-friendly way.

The Forest of Bowland boasts extensive habitats for wildlife on the moorland edges and the charity said it ‘has huge potential’ to help boost declining upland birds including lapwings and curlews.

It could also help other animals such as brown hares and insects like green hairstreak butterflies and golden-ringed dragonflies.

A recent State of Nature report revealed that six out of ten species have declined over the past five decades.

As well as technical advice, the RSPB is also offering farmers in the Forest of Bowland bird surveys, aimed to show which wildlife makes its home on a farm and, when repeated at a later date, will reveal how a farmer’s efforts are producing real results in encourgaing birds and animals.

Gavin Thomas, the RSPB conservation adviser for Bowland, said: “By concentrating our efforts here and in other areas around the country with similar potential, we hope to make significant steps to help declining species recover and flourish.

“As food production is always the priority for any farming enterprise, I am advising farmers on how they can make their land better for wildlife without compromising livestock management or income.

“This often involves making just small changes on the wettest and least productive parts of land.

“There are many Bowland farmers already working with the RSPB who’ve seen birds return to their land and thrive.”

For more information about the project call Gavin on 07814 462429 or email him at gavin.

thomas@rspb.org.uk