The conservation charity is again preparing to conduct its annual free bird surveys and is urging land managers the length and breadth of the country to sign up as soon as they can.

The successful RSPB Volunteer and Farmer Alliance (V&FA) scheme allows trained volunteers to record where birds of conservation concern are located on farms and crofts.

The surveys help paint a clearer picture of what is happening to some of our struggling farmland species. In recent years, the populations of birds such as lapwing, corn bunting and yellowhammer have declined drastically following changes to their habitats.

Strong support saw 2009 end on a bright note with the completion of Scotland's 500th farmland bird survey, and news that RSPB will be increasing its efforts to provide surveys on farms and crofts in more remote areas of Scotland, including the Highlands, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

Increased coverage in these areas has been made possible through EU LIFE+ funding. The survey is free, confidential, and comes with no strings attached.

Conducted by trained RSPB volunteers, the survey involves three or four early morning visits between April and July to record the birds that they see and hear.

The results are then plotted on a unique farm 'bird map', showing where birds of conservation concern have been recorded. Additionally, farmers receive a full report and species list, and are offered free advice on ways to manage land to benefit those species.

The surveys can also help land managers applying for agri-environment funding under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), as they can help guide which options will best benefit existing farm wildlife.