Lapwing numbers have fallen in recent years

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is hosting a series of courses to boost farmland wildlife.

The RSPB claims the courses, on topics such as installing a sluice system, rush cutting and ditching, are the first of their kind in the UK.

More farmers need conservation skills to benefit from government-backed schemes like Country Stewardship.

The RSPB has linked up with Defra to organise the 24 training courses over the next 18 months on RSPB nature reserves.

The courses have been prompted by large declines in farmland bird populations.

'Conservation role'

Many of the UK's favourite birds such as lapwings, skylarks and curlews will benefit if the habitat management carried out by the RSPB on its reserves is replicated on farms.

Tim Youngs, RSPB conservation officer for Cumbria, said: "Many birds are dependent on farming and there are lots of things that land managers can do to help wildlife without it having a big impact on their business.

"As farmers ourselves, the RSPB has plenty of experience of integrating farm needs with those of wildlife and we are delighted to have this opportunity to team up with local farmers to share information and skills.

"The RSPB already works directly with more than 2,000 farmers in the UK every year, supporting their vital conservation role.

"This groundbreaking new initiative continues this important work and will link forward-looking local farmers with our skilled Cumbrian nature reserve wardens."