Farming: wildlife and plants
Conservation - agriculture and biodiversity
Agriculture is a key determinant of biodiversity: almost 77% of the UK land surface is farmed and the influence of agriculture on biodiversity goes far beyond farmed land itself. Today's countryside had been shaped and maintained largely by farming, and most semi-natural areas have historically been managed with agriculture as a prime motive. But changes in agricultural practices have reduced the value to wildlife of many farming areas, although many farmers and landowners are very conscientious about conservation.
The main concerns for biodiversity associated with agriculture have been identified as:
- Deterioration of semi-natural habitats as traditional forms of management are abandoned or replaced with more intensive systems;
- Loss and fragmentation of semi-natural habitats through intensification or development;
- Loss of important farmland features such as hedges, ponds, ancient trees and copses;
- Deterioration in the biodiversity value of agriculturally productive land as production methods change;
- Damage to soil, water and other ecosystems by atmospheric pollution, pesticides and fertilisers.
Defra has the lead responsibility within Government for policy on protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Overarching policies such as reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and Environmental Protection make a significant contribution. More specifically, Defra is the lead partner for three of the Habitat Action Plans forming part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan :
Defra is also the Contact Point for 21 species action plans where Government policy makes a major contribution to the delivery of targets:
- farmland bird species (9)
- arable plants including mosses (12).
Working alongside Lead Partners such as English Nature, the Environment Agency and the RSPB, Defra is responsible for bringing about the delivery of actions contributing to a range of BAPs, using incentives, advice and regulation. The key delivery mechanism is through the principal agri-environment schemes in the England Rural Development Programme, Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Agri-environment scheme agreements can include a number of measures that seek to ensure positive management of farmed land containing UK BAP priority habitats.
England Biodiversity Strategy: agriculture workstream
Defra is leading the agriculture workstream as part of the England Biodiversity Strategy published in October 2002. A small group of stakeholder organisations were brought together to form a a working group to develop an action plan for the sector for the next five years. This action plan has four key aims:
- To improve the quantity and quality of biodiversity on agricultural land in England;
- To reduce the negative effects, and enhance the positive effects of agriculture on the wider environment;
- To promote the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity as part of a sustainable food and farming strategy in England;
- To promote a whole farm approach to conservation of species and habitats in England.
Please e-mail us at farmland.conservation@defra.gsi.gov.uk, if you would be interested in finding out more about the agriculture workstream of the England Biodiversity Strategy.
Page last modified: 1 July 2006
Page published: 1 July 2006