Winter Scenes - Swans and Geese feeding in our fields

One of the most memorable sights and sounds of winter are the ‘skeins’ of whooper swans that migrate to Northern Ireland each year. They settle in low-lying fields along floodplains, before returning to their northerly breeding grounds in spring.

The swans and geese that winter in Northern Ireland make amazing journeys from Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Artic to take advantage of our relatively milder climate. In recent decades they have made greater use of agricultural land for feeding over the winter months.

Whooper and Bewick’s swans can be seen in improved grassland and winter cereal fields around Lough Foyle, Lough Neagh and Lough Beg (often visible from the Toome bypass). Around Strangford Lough, pale-bellied Brent geese often feed on winter cereal crops. The above wetland areas together with Upper Lough Erne are all nationally and internationally important sites for these migratory birds.

DARD’s Agri-Environment Schemes (Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme and Countryside Management Scheme) include an option for participants who have migratory swans and geese feeding on their land.

Fields that are regularly used by at least 25 birds/hectare can qualify for the option, provided the birds are whooper swans, Bewick’s swans, Greenland white-fronted geese, pale-bellied Brent geese or migratory Greylag geese.

Farmers are encouraged to leave fields undisturbed. Grazing, pesticide application and slurry/fertiliser application are restricted in the winter months. In return farmers receive an area payment depending if the land is improved grassland or in winter cereals or winter oilseed rape.

If you would like to find out more about DARD agri-environment schemes and the winter feeding sites for swans and geese option please contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.

Whooper swans flying. Photographer, Chris Knights (rspb-images.com)