Conservation volunteers wanted for RSPB’s Give Corncrake a Home Project
The Corncrake is a shy, secretive bird and was once widespread throughout the UK & Ireland. Sadly with drastic changes to the countryside and mechanisation in farming over the last century their numbers have plummeted, making them a red listed species.
RSPB’s project ‘Give Corncrake a Home’ has been working with farmers and landowners on Rathlin to create and improve their habitat for more than a decade. Corncrake have specific habitat requirements to maintain cover when calling a mate and to raise young safely. Nettles were identified as the ideal plant, rhizomes are laid down along the edge of field boundaries and then covered in old silage bales to help them establish. These nettle corridors have helped attract the corncrake back to Rathlin but more rhizomes are needed.
RSPB need your help to dig up and wash nettle rhizomes. Currently nettles have died back, so there’s no chance of being stung!
Click the link below to register for whichever dates suit you best (all take place 9.30am-3pm) …
Warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are essential. All digging equipment needed will be provided including gloves but you can bring your own if you wish.
