The SFS (Sustainable Farming Scheme) will be introduced across Wales in 2026 - act now to help ensure that it's properly funded. RSPB Cymru have a new SFS e-action which they've just launched in their Action for Nature newsletter, calling for Welsh Government to 'secure the future of climate and nature friendly farming in Wales'. Welsh Government budget discussions will shortly turn to focusing on how money will be allocated for the SFS in 2026/27 so it's a crucial time now, to get as many people as possible calling for the SFS to be properly funded and supported. The e-action launch has been followed by social media posts and there will be continued promotion in various forms over the coming few months. The links below lead directly to the e-action, and are bespoke to WOS so we can track the figures at the end of the campaign and let you know levels of support. English link: https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/167438/action/1?ea.tracking.id=WOS Cymraeg Link: https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/168964/action/1?ea.tracking.id=WOS Please follow the link(s) and sign the e-action petition as soon as you can. WOS is supporting the petition and we hope all members will sign it. (fb)

The heathland bird survey 2025 – join up and find Nightjars and Dartford Warblers. The survey is not just restricted to ‘Heathland’ but primarily consists of UK-wide surveys of Dartford Warbler, Nightjar & Woodlark, which will produce the first national population estimates since the previous surveys 20 years ago. Wales supports a significant number of both Nightjar and Dartford Warbler, but the numerous and widely scattered sites are proving challenging to cover, as illustrated by the current survey coverage maps attached. Further details about the survey and how to view and requests available survey squares can be found on the main survey webpage: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/heathland-birds-survey. It’s probably too late to look for Woodlarks (and there are only a few breeding pairs in south-east Wales), but there’s time to get involved searching for Nightjars and Dartford Warblers. https://birdsin.wales/the-heathland-bird-survey-2025-join-up-and-find-nightjars-and-dartford-warblers/ (fb)