ARABLE farmers across Yorkshire are being urged to consider partnerships with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which could unlock grants from Europe and help dwindling species of birds to colonise the countryside.

The principles behind Countryside Stewardships are not new to the industry. During the past few years, landowners have been encouraged to take on wildlife conservation projects, with help from European grants.

However, the RSPB has stepped in to offer surveys that could add weight to applications for financial aid.

It will help establish which species of bird are established on a farmer's land and then offer advice on how to help the population grow.

Ben Turner, spokesman for the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: "The arable options for stewardship are an important part of the jigsaw.

"Assistance which farmers can receive from organisations such as the RSPB and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group can really improve the quality of applications, adding substantially to the benefits to the landscape and to wildlife over the ten years of the agreement.'