THE RSPB is looking for farmers in the Yorkshire Wolds and Coast area who are interested in getting paid to help wildlife thrive on their land.

This summer sees the launch of a new Government wildlife-friendly farming initiative available in England called the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS), which will reward farmers and other land managers for giving nature a home.

This new scheme replaces the old Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) schemes.

The Yorkshire Wolds and Coast is a good place for wildlife and has massive potential to help boost declining farmland birds, as well as other animals from butterflies and bees to hares and hedgehogs.

Chris Tomson, the RSPB’s conservation advisor, is offering free advice to any farmer in the area who wants to sign up for CSS.

He has more than 15 years of experience helping farmers make successful applications for wildlife-friendly farming initiatives.

He said: “By visiting a farm, I can identify the best ways for a farmer to help wildlife without impacting on the efficiency and profitability of the business.

“I can help complete the online application form and, if it is successful, I will then work with the farmer to help implement the scheme.”

Applications for CSS are open from July to September with the agreements beginning in January 2016.

It is, therefore, worth investing time in evaluating a potential application now.

Farmers interested in chatting to Chris about giving nature a home on their land can phone him on 07900 164601 or email him at chris.tomson@rspb.org.uk