Orkney farmers urged to join Harrier scheme as
deadline approaches
Scottish Natural Heritage
Farmers in the West Mainland area of Orkney, who have not yet signed
up to the Orkney Hen Harrier Scheme, are being urged to do so as this
year's deadline of 1st February approaches.
The scheme was developed by Scottish Natural Heritage under its Natural
Care programme to help address the decline in the Orkney hen harrier population
over the last 20 or so years. One of the main reasons for the decline
is a lack of Orkney voles, a prime source of food for the harrier.
The scheme focuses on the Orkney Mainland Moors Special Protection Area
and, in consultation with local farmers, was developed to include a surrounding
zone of farmland. Farmers taking part receive payments for carrying out
certain types of management such as creating more rough grassland, which
is ideal habitat for the Orkney vole and feeding ground for the harrier.
Sue Agnew, project officer for the scheme said: "This year's
deadline is drawing close and we are very keen that local farmers don't
lose out. There are plenty of opportunities to enter land into the scheme.
For example a track side, or ditch, might make an excellent wildlife corridor,
or shutting off a small field that is next to some rough ground would
be good for voles. We can help devise a scheme plan and provide payments
for these sort of activities. Anyone who has not yet signed up but would
like to discuss it in more detail should contact me at the SNH office
in Kirkwall before the end of January."
Against the backdrop of long term decline there has been some good news
for the Orkney hen harrier. Mild winters and dry springs and summers over
the last two years are cited as probable reasons for what has been the
best breeding season in 20 years. This mild weather usually allows good
breeding for wildlife such as the Orkney vole, or small birds, both food
prey for hen harriers. Without a high supply of food, particularly just
before they settle to lay eggs on the moorlands in Spring, numbers may
decline severely as happened in the 1980s.
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