Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the RSPB have teamed up to help demonstrate to landowners how they can create new habitats for breeding wading birds.

 

The sight of Curlews and Lapwings in our fields is enjoyed by many of us but these species are under threat.  Populations across the country are declining rapidly and the Nidderdale AONB area is no exception. 

 

To help tackle this issue a free one off event has been organised to demonstrate to landowners how they can manage their land to benefit these, and other, wading birds.  The event, jointly organised by Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and the RSPB, is being held on Tuesday 10^th November 2009 at a farm near Greenhow. 

 

The event is free of charge and will involve a mixture of practical demonstrations and a short walk and talk.  Participants will discover more about the type of habitat needed to support breeding wading birds and the practical steps that can be taken such as the creation of scrapes, rush management and weedwiping. 

 

Colin Slator, AONB Ranger said, "The event is a great opportunity for landowners to find out how they can take small practical steps which will help protect some of our favourite birds.  There will be practical demonstrations by local contractors on creating suitable conditions for wading birds." 

 

"There will also be an opportunity for farmers and landowners to find out more about the financial support they can get though Natural England's Stewardship Grant Schemes. I would urge any landowners who are interested to come along and join us".

 

The event is being funded by the Greenhow Landscape and Biodiversity Fund and the Friends of Nidderdale AONB. Participants can attend either a morning session starting at 10.00am or an afternoon session starting at 1.30pm, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. 

 

For more information about the event and exact details of location please contact the AONB Office on 01423 712950 or nidderdaleaonb@harrogate.gov.uk