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, which will reward farmers and other land managers for giving nature a home.

The new project replaces other schemes that have supported farmers’ efforts to help Bowland’s wildlife during 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 farmers in the area who want to sign up for the scheme.

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 there are many practical ways 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.

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

Applications for the scheme are open until September, with the agreements beginning in January 2016.

Contact Gavin on 07814 462429 or e-mail him at gavin.thomas@rspb.org.uk for further information.

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