FARMERS are being offered incentives to adapt their land for the benefit of wildlife.

Nature conservation charity, the RSPB, is looking for farmers in the Forest of Bowland who want to support wildlife on their land.

This summer sees the launch of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS), which will reward farmers and other land managers for giving nature a home.

The new project replaces the other schemes which have played a key role in supporting farmers’ efforts to help Bowland’s wildlife over the past ten years.

Bowland has a range of special habitats and species and has great potential to help boost nationally declining farmland birds such as lapwings and curlews.

The RSPB’s Conservation Advisor in Bowland, Gavin Thomas, is offering free advice and support with applications to any farmer in the area who wants to sign up for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

Gavin has more than ten years experience helping farmers make successful applications for wildlife-friendly farming initiatives.

He said: "Bowland is a special place for wildlife and I want to help local farmers who are key to its conservation.

"I can identify the best ways to help wildlife on a farm without compromising the efficiency and profitability of the business.

"In fact, the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme offers financial incentives to help protect wildlife and boost farm income."

Gavin added that there were many practical ways that farmers can help wildlife.

He said: "An example would be cutting the grass on meadows later in the year.

"Some of the grassland provides the ideal environment for birds such a lapwings and curlews who nest and lay eggs in the grass.

"A simple method could be to delay cutting the meadows until late June or July until after the hatching season and I can advise on doing this without losing productivity.

"There are also often patches of land on farms which are not used for any production which could be adapted to serve birds and other wildlife.

"It is a competitive scheme and therefore, worth investing time in evaluating the potential for applications now."

Applications for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme are open until September 2015 with the agreements beginning in January 2016.

Farmers interested in chatting to Gavin about giving nature a home on their land can call him on 07814 462429 or email him at gavin.thomas@rspb.org.uk.