Articles of Interest
Our Articles of Interest page is your go-to resource for insightful content on a wide range of topics, including sustainable farming practices, environmental initiatives, wildflower cultivation, grassland management, and much more. Whether you're seeking expert advice, exploring innovative ideas, or simply looking to deepen your knowledge of rural and agricultural topics, you'll find plenty of engaging and informative articles here. Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and developments to inspire and guide your journey in farming, conservation, and land management.
According to the 2023 update of the DEFRA publication Wild Bird Populations in the UK, farmland bird numbers have experienced a dramatic decline of 61% since 1970, highlighting a significant challenge for biodiversity and conservation efforts. This decline has had a particularly severe impact on several iconic species, including the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra), Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix), and Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), which have all seen worrying reductions in their populations.
The Decline in Farmland Birds
The Agriculture Bill outlines how farmers and land managers in England will be rewarded with public funding for delivering “public goods” like improved air and water quality, thriving wildlife, healthier soils, and measures to combat flooding and climate change under the Environmental Land Management scheme. Replacing the outdated Basic Payment Scheme, which favoured large landowners without encouraging specific public benefits, the Bill also includes measures to boost productivity and promote sustainable, high-quality food production.
The Agriculture Bill
For decades, agricultural policy in the United Kingdom was shaped by the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy, offering a unified approach across Europe. With Britain’s departure from the EU now complete, this long-standing system is set to change. A new era for our rural landscapes is on the horizon, bringing opportunities for transformation and renewal. The Agricultural Act marks the beginning of a new era for British farming, introducing significant changes that aim to balance food production with environmental sustainability.
The ELM Scheme -
An opportunity for change?
