Lifeline for Wessex birds

The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has announced a new partnership with Wessex Water.

Wessex Water’s Partners Programme provides funding to schemes carried out by nature conservation organisations. The programme has been running since 1998 and has assisted projects helping endangered species.

Dave Blake, project development officer for the AONB said, “Our AONB has been awarded £10,000 per annum until 2015 to encourage biodiversity on farmland, primarily to help increase farmland bird populations across South Wiltshire.”

This money will ensure that vital work to encourage declining bird numbers continues through supporting the post of Tracy Adams, South Wiltshire Farmland Bird Project Officer.  She will work with farmers to increase the amount of habitat for six declining farmland birds: grey partridge, tree sparrow, yellow wagtail, lapwing, corn bunting and turtle dove. 

To find out more about the project across parts of Wiltshire and Dorset telephone the AONB team on 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk