A Helping Hand for Farmland Birds

THE winter months can be a testing time for man and beast alike and the recent freeze has proved exceptionally tough for all. The severe conditions have posed many threats during the course of the last few weeks; starvation being one of the greatest risks for farmland birds especially.

Of the 19 species that make up the Farmland Bird Index, 12, including such iconic species as the curlew, grey partridge, lapwing, snipe and skylark are almost entirely dependent upon farming practices that provide suitable habitat and a viable food source during the winter months.

Whilst these species have been shown to be making a recovery in parts of Northwest England, their numbers overall have declined by more than 50% since 1970, in no small part due to scarcity of winter food.

Funding through Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agri-environment scheme is now helping farmers and landowners halt this decline.

With HLS payments being made to farmers and land owners for a wide range of options which include sowing wild bird seed mixtures, with seed bearing plants kale, quinoa and millet, and overwintering cereal stubbles, food and habitat is now more widely available for farmland birds than at any time in the last four decades.

Liz Newton, Natural England’s Northwest Regional Director said:- “The freezing temperatures we have seen recently illustrate just how important it is to manage our land in a way that provides food for farmland birds. The planting of wild bird seed mixtures and overwintering of stubbles will see many arable birds through difficult times this winter. Where farmers and land owners are committed to the management of farmland bird habitats through Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship schemes, results can be spectacular, with large flocks of birds, often in the hundreds, visiting the seed mixes and stubbles.”

Ewan Nugent, Delivery Leader for Natural England’s agri-environment programme, said:- “With a large number of HLS agreements in place throughout the Northwest, we are working with farmers and landowners to increase the area planted per farm (to approximately 2ha) and the number plots. This will ensure more winter food for arable birds is available for longer. Excellent levels of funding are available for all our Environmental Stewardship schemes including HLS and we are keen to discuss all options available with interested parties. So far this year the average value of an HLS agreement has been £22,500. With agreements lasting ten years, this level of income provides an excellent diversification opportunity.”

£8,000 Boost Makes Southport Sensory Garden a Rosy Success!!!

A Southport autism charity has recently received a funding boost to create a sensory garden in Cedar House Horticultural Centre, Southport.

Cedar House Horticultural Centre provides support to adults with autism in the Southport area, with the £8,000 in funding being used to create a garden made up of quiet, sensory and water areas which work together to create a tranquil atmosphere.

The sensory garden helps service users with feelings of anxiety and is currently being used by 25 service users and 5 members of staff. The garden is also open to members of the local community.

The cash injection came courtesy of the People’s Postcode Trust, a grant giving organisation wholly funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery. The charity lottery gives 40p from every ticket to good causes, including the Trust.

Autism Initiatives fundraiser Alison McGachy said of the project:- “One of the highlights was asking the service users to help in the design of the sensory garden so that it best suits their needs.” She praised People’s Postcode Lottery players who have made the sensory garden possible, saying:- “Thank you…this would not have happened if you did not play the People’s Postcode Lottery in your local area.”

A spokesperson from the People’s Postcode Trust added:- “The work Autism Initiatives undertakes makes a huge impact on service users and has ensured a piece of formerly derelict land has been transformed into a fantastic sensory garden. Congratulations to all for their hard work in creating such a serene and peaceful area.”

Find out more about Autism Initiatives at:- autisminitiatives.org.

Trust seeks views from patients & public

THE Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are seeking people's view on a new strategy to engage patients and the public more effectively. The strategy, which was recently approved by the board, commits the Trust to the continued involvement of patients, public, partners and staff in its future development. Chief executive Jonathan Parry said:- "I would be extremely grateful if people would let me have their views on how we can ensure their involvement in developing the strategy. In particular, I am interested in hearing from individuals and groups representing those people whose voices are less well heard in our community." Comments should be sent by email  with "PPI strategy" in the subject line or by post to:- Tony Ellis, Marketing and Communications Manager, Southport and Formby District General Hospital, Town Lane, Kew, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6PN. All comments should be received by 7 February 2010. The strategy is available on request from the Trust or under "Policies and procedures" at southportandormskirk.nhs.uk.