Here’s some things you could be doing:

Habitat management for wading birds

Scrapes are temporary shallow pools that gradually dry out through the spring and summer. They provide valuable feeding habitat for a wide range of birds, but particularly breeding waders such as lapwing and curlews.

Scrapes can be created by reducing drainage from natural depressions, or by excavating shallow pools. Important features are shallow slopes, plenty of edge and deeper points sufficient to hold water through until June. Learn more about scrapes: Scrapes | RSPB.

The great thing about creating scrapes on your land (beyond providing valuable habitat for your local wading birds) is that you can still keep sheep grazing on your land, and Species on the Edge might be able to pay for the work! Get in touch to find out more. 

Growing crops for biodiversity

In Shetland, we are supporting crofters to grow crops which benefit pollinators in the summer and farm birds, such as linties (twite), in the winter. We have developed a bird mix that is specially designed for Shetland and have already planted seven plots across four different crofts, as well as five plots on Fair Isle. Get in touch to get involved.

Surveying

Crucial to our work at Species on the Edge is learning as much as we can about our priority species, so that this information can then inform the action we take to support them. And you can help! We are providing free training so that people all over Shetland can help us learn more about the islands’ most vulnerable flora and fauna. If you are interested in our team conducting surveys on your land, or you are interested in learning how to do it yourself, get in touch.

Help Shetland’s Linties

Grow a Twite Seed Crop

What: If you manage land in Shetland – a large garden, a croft or a farm – you may have suitable ground to cultivate a seed crop to provide a food source for Twite next winter.

When: Plan between January and April. Prepare the ground in May and sow before 15^th June.

How: Contact Project Officer Harry (harry.britton@rspb.org.uk) to discuss your options. A member of staff can visit and advise you and support your project.

Shetland Twite Spot Count

What: Help us build our knowledge of Twites in Shetland: their number, where they are and how they move across the islands by recording your sightings, as and when you encounter them.

When: Year round

How: Keep an eye out and listen for Twites when you are out in your garden or on a walk in Shetland. Record sightings (number of birds, location, date, weather conditions and habitat) and send data to RSPB. A recording sheet is available. Report colour-ringed birds.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite. Training can be provided.

Register: Species on the Edge volunteer team member

Shetland Twite Crop Survey

What: Help us monitor Twite crops in Shetland to better understand seed supply, how birds are using the crops and how the number of birds changes over time, so as to inform future conservation measures.

When: October-March

How:  Carry out 30-minute watches of your assigned crop every 2-4 weeks on calm, dry days, and record the number of Twites present. Assess the seed supply in the plot using a recording sheet.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite confidently and follow standard survey instructions. Training will be provided.

Register: Species on the Edge volunteer team member

Shetland Twite Calendar

What: Designed for land managers to take part in recording species on their croft or farm, the calendar is a simple recording scheme to monitor the abundance of Twite in a crop during the winter.

When: October-March

How:  Count the number of Twite in your crop once a week and record the maximum number present, and the date, time and weather conditions.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite. Training can be provided.