Wildlife on British farmland has been hit hard in recent decades: farmland bird populations have fallen by 63% since 1970, and half of the 27 bumblebee species are also in decline.
But the Trust has explained that nature-friendly farming could be the solution. Using fewer chemicals would lead to healthier soil and cleaner waterways, while permanent bands of grass around fields could give homes to vital pollinators and other insects. BBOWT has advised that smaller changes can also help, such as providing quiet corners of grassland for mammals such as brown hares to shelter and feed their young.
BBOWT’s Land and Farm Advice Manager, Scott Brown, said:
“As farmers increasingly recognise that working with nature is essential to a healthy and resilient food system, the need for BBOWT’s expertise has never been greater. We have a very clear vision of what nature-friendly farming means for our three counties: more wildlife, healthy soils, improved water quality and nutritious food. It is going to need a combined effort to bring this vision to life though – hard work by farmers, our expertise and your support can make it happen.”
The Trust works with farmers one-to-one and through ‘clusters’, to share knowledge and help develop practical projects on the ground. Since setting up the Land and Farm Advice Service in 2022, BBOWT has seen an increasing demand for its assistance, as more farmers recognise that working with nature is essential to healthy and resilient food production.
The new appeal is part of BBOWT’s £3 million Nature Recovery Fund launched in 2023. Funds raised could support work such as providing tailored advice to farmers or managing habitats for threatened species including yellowhammers and water voles.
BBOWT’s Chief Executive, Estelle Bailey MBE, said:
“Farmland makes up 68% of our three counties, so to truly have an impact on nature’s recovery, our work must expand far beyond our precious nature reserves. I want future generations to experience the joy of countryside filled with life - swallows darting above fields, butterflies and bumblebees feeding on abundant wildflowers, hedgerows alive with the sound of birdsong, and to eat locally grown food that supports a healthy, resilient landscape. A gift to our Nature Recovery Fund will help us do more to bring wildlife back to our countryside.”
People can support the Nature Recovery Fund at bbowt.org.uk/appeal