Government
initiatives to specialise in production have led to
dramatic changes in farming practices since the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) of 1962.
Vast stretches of land have moved towards monocropping.
The result of large-scale industrial farming systems
that focus on one crop has tipped the balance between
pests and beneficial insects and vertebrates.
Biodiversity on farming landscapes has changed so
dramatically over the last 50 years with such damaging
effects on many species of farmland birds, insects and
specialist mammals that the Government has now
implemented a number of environmental schemes. These
schemes will
assist in the restoration, maintenance and creation of
historically important landscapes.
Since the introduction of the CAP over 192,000
kilometres of hedgerows have been removed and 45% of
ancient woodland sites lost (Spencer J & Kirkby K, 1992,
‘An Inventory of Ancient Woodland for England and
Wales’).
Farmland bird species have faced a significant decline
due to loss of breeding and nesting sites and lack of
food sources throughout their entire life cycle.
Important species targeted on the UK Biodiversity Action
Plan such as the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)
and the Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita) are suffering
the effects of severe population declines through
intensive farming methods and loss of suitable wetland
habitat.
Plant species such as Cornflower, Corn Marigold and
Common Poppy historically acquainted with fields of
oats, wheat and barley may once again find their way
into the margins of our farming landscape as the
Government moves its incentives from production to
protection.
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Cornflower
(Centaurea cyanus)
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Corn Marigold
(Chrysanthemum segetum)
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Common Poppy
(Papaver rhoeas)
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Targeted Habitats
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The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
contains targeted habitats and species that are under
threat. Each region within the UK has its own BAP with
further details and action plans for supporting and
restoring the regionally targeted species and habitats.
(www.ukbap.co.uk)
Wildlife habitats cover many distinct topographical
situations, each with its own unique collection of flora
and fauna. Farmers and landowners managing the landscape
may require help to utilize the full potential of their
land whilst enhancing the physical landscape for
existing wildlife.
Complete Land Management (CLM) is a company with a full
team of environmental experts with the ability to
support farmers and landowners wishing to manage their
land in support of wildlife whilst maximizing its
income. Countryside management must entail the
combination of all rural locations. Farm buildings,
churchyards and deserted settlements are all integrated
aspects of land management and conservation. Everything
has a value.
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Wildlife Habitats
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England supports areas of woodland that date back beyond
the 1600s. Areas of land that have only ever consisted
of woodland species are referred to as ancient
woodlands. Species such as Wild Service tree (Sorbus
torminalis) and Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia) are
indicators of ancient woodland.
Semi natural woodlands can often show signs typical of
ancient woodlands but have been farmed in the past
before returning to their climax vegetation. The
wildlife value of ancient and semi-natural woodland
locations is important for species on all levels from
ground flora and symbiotic mychorrizae to the shrub
layer and the canopy. Veteran species of Oak (Quercus
robur) can support up to 10,000 living organisms.
Woodland Management
The Forestry Commission has a number of grants available
to help towards restoring existing woodlands.
The English Woodland Grant Schemes (EWGS) are suited for
most woodlands that can consisting significantly to
wildlife conservation or public leisure and recreational
pursuits
Grassland
Grasslands are unique habitats. Habitat types consist
of:
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Lowland Acid Grassland |
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Lowland Calcareous Grassland |
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Lowland Neutral Grassland |
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Upland Acid Grassland |
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Upland Neutral Grassland |
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Semi-natural woodland
Hadlow, Kent
Oak (Quercus robur)
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