Nature-Friendly Farming in Action

Resource explained

This booklet, a collaboration between Farm Wildlife, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, and the RSPB, focuses on the Farm Wildlife six key actions that can help farmers deliver co-ordinated habitat creation and management. It includes 12 detailed case studies of how they have been implemented on farms across the UK (2 for each action). Martin Lines sets out the scene in the foreword: “With biodiversity in staggering decline across our farmed landscapes, it has never been more urgent for farms to adopt practices that support multiple species to thrive.”

Findings & recommendations

The six key actions described are:

  • Enhance existing habitats. Focus on better habitat quality, bigger expanding blocks, more connection with wildlife corridors between blocks, and identifying new potential habitat areas.
  • Maximising the wildlife value of field boundaries and margins. Trimming hedges and manage ditches on a long rotation promotes flowering, fruit production and shelter. Tussocky grass buffer strips and flower-rich margins can provide important habitat for beneficials and wildlife, while protecting field boundaries from agricultural inputs.
  • Maintain, restore and create wet features. Ponds, scrapes and ditches can provide great opportunities for wildlife on farm if protected from nutrient run-off and pollution.
  • Maintain, restore and create flower-rich habitats. Farms can be great environments for native wildflowers, which can in turn support beneficials, making the farm more productive.
  • Create seed-rich habitats. Sowing wild bird mixes, leaving areas unharvested or retaining winter stubbles can provide vital feed for seed-eating birds over-winter.
  • Sympathetic In-field management to support wildlife. Looking after the soil and soil organic matter, minimising pesticide and fertiliser use, and in-field habitat features such as beetle banks and skylark plots can all be beneficial to wildlife.

Header image shows ox eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, growing in farmland with tractor behind, RSPB Hope Farm, Cambridgeshire, June 2023. Taken by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com). All Rights Reserved

Summary provided by:

Phil Sumption

Edited by:

Janie Caldbeck

Associated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):

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