Waders and Hill Farming

Working for Waders is inviting farmers and land managers to a free half day event at Falnash Farm near Hawick on the 9th October to find out more about wader conservation in the uplands. 

Falnash is a three thousand acre upland hill farm near Teviothead with a superb reputation for pedigree sheep and commercial beef. In line with many other similar properties across the Southern Uplands, Falnash has seen a steady decline in wading birds over the last few years. With uncertainty brought about by Brexit, now is a good time to revisit management objectives and be sure that hill ground is performing for a range of different interests, including conservation and biodiversity. 

The Falnash event will have a specific focus on action for wading birds, with discussions on hill grazing, rush management and bracken control. There will be a visit to the hill ground, and attendees will be encouraged to have their say and share ideas. Advisors will be present to help farmers identify funding for future work, and there will be an emphasis on win:wins for farming and nature – tricks and ideas which not only boost farm productivity but also extend a lifeline to fragile wild bird populations. 

This event is being organized by Patrick Laurie, who runs a hill farm near Dumfries. Speaking ahead of the day, Patrick said “Farmers can play a key role in wader conservation – Working for Waders is a chance for us to have our say and share ideas which really make a difference to the birds we all love. This project puts farmers in the driving seat, so if you’re interested in conserving birds like curlews and lapwings, come along and get involved”

To book tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/myevent?eid=70748353229 or email Patrick Laurie at awplaurie@hotmail.com