THE RSPB wants to hear from farmers in the Yorkshire Wolds and Coast area who would like to get paid to help wildlife thrive on their land through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS).

This year CSS has four new packages including an arable offer. Options include providing winter bird food, creating nest plots for skylarks and lapwings, and sowing nectar flower mixes for the benefit insect pollinators.

The RSPB’s conservation advisor Chris Tomson is offering free advice to any farmer in the area who is considering signing up.

Chris said: “This is a great new opportunity to join the Countryside Stewardship Scheme as there is less paperwork than before and no competition, meaning that all farmers who meet the eligibility requirements can get an agreement.

“The payments are good; for example farmers will receive £640 per hectare for winter bird food and £511 per hectare for nectar flower mix. For marginal parts of the farm or awkward field corners stewardship is worth considering as it guarantees income for the next five years and benefits farm wildlife."

He has helped a number of farmers enter the scheme including JS Scholes Partnership of Driffield.

Andy Murr, Farm Manager at JS Scholes Partnership, said: “We joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 2016 and, with Chris’ help, we found the application process quite straight forward.

"He comprehensively surveyed the farm for us free of charge and advised on which Countryside Stewardship options would benefit existing wildlife and attract new species on to the farm, while complimenting the farm business.

“Payments within the scheme are attractive, particularly if they are sited on marginal cropping land, such as thin chalky banks or awkward corners."

The application window for CSS is now open with five-year agreements beginning in January 2019. Call Chris on 07900 164 601 or email him at chris.tomson@rspb.org.uk.