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Corn Bunting, Miliaria calandra, in February. Picture by Andy Hay, RSPB Images

BIRD-friendly farmers who are doing all they can to help reverse the decline in farmland birds could be recognised and rewarded for their efforts in a major new competition launched by the RSPB and BBC Countryfile magazine.

The Nature of Farming Awards has been created to reward farmers who provide the essential elements which help farmland birds to survive - winter food, spring food and nesting sites. And £2,400 is up for grabs for the winner and seven regional champions.

Farmers have until April 2 to enter the competition, which will involve a panel of experts drawing up a shortlist of four farmers in July. The UK champion will be chosen next autumn by public vote and scoop £1,000 as well as being honoured at a dinner early in 2009 with the regional finalists.

Dr Darren Moorcroft, RSPB's Head of Conservation Advice, said: "Farmers are at the frontline of conservation. Their decisions determine how hospitable to wildlife their farms are. This award will showcase the very best, championing the vital conservation role farming can play.

"Farmland bird declines started several decades ago.

"Whilst species like skylarks, lapwings and corn buntings have benefited immeasurably from the actions of individual farmers, across the UK they are still struggling and desperately need more help.

"We're hoping this award will encourage more farmers to get involved and make a real difference to these birds' fortunes."

Farmland birds need food in winter such as provided by winter stubbles, weedy root crops or special mixtures of seed rich plants. Other birds rely on berries, but these are only available if hedgerows are cut only once every two or three years in late winter.

In spring, hungry chicks need to be fed so adult birds must have somewhere to find insects.

Areas for wildflowers to grow and damp pasture both increase insect numbers, benefiting birds such as yellowhammers, corn buntings and grey partridges.

A safe nest is also critical for survival of many birds on farmland.

Well-managed field margins allowed to grow wild and small unsown patches in arable fields provide nesting sites and are a lifeline for a range of farmland birds.

The Nature of Farming Award takes over from the highly successful RSPB/Jordans Operation Lapwing competition that ran for five years.

Dr Moorcroft said: "Operation Lapwing was a great success, but only represented a small proportion of the conservation efforts of the 4,500 farmers we work with each year.

"The new award gives all farmers helping wildlife the opportunity to take part."

To enter the Nature of Farming Award, e-mail nature-farming@rspb.org.uk or call 01767 680551.

12:55pm Thursday 17th January 2008

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