HEXHAM’S MP Guy Opperman learned first hand just what goes into creating a bird-friendly farm when he paid a visit to High Studdon in Sinderhope.

It was one of a series of meetings with farmers during which he discussed Britain’s new environmentally-focused agricultural policy.

At High Studdon, he met RSPB representative Janet Fairclough and hill farmers Nick Howard and Robert Phillipson, who talked about the work they are doing to nurture birdlife, whilst maintaining their core task of food production.

The two farmers are enrolled in Higher-Level Environmental Stewardship schemes and devoted to the preservation of lapwings and curlews. They were assured the new Agriculture Bill would continue to support their work.

Mr Phillipson said: “The Bill is important in safeguarding the future of farming by paying farmers for the benefits they provide to the general public.

“This is particularly important for hill farmers, who rely heavily on public financial support to keep their businesses viable. Without the hill farmers’ management of this land, creating and safeguarding the habitat vital to endangered species such as lapwing and curlew would be threatened.”