New farming system can help secure future of farmland birds
Farming is important to Wales. It forms a large part of our economy and keeps thousands in work. It has a big influence on the way we live, as well as our culture and heritage.
However, all is not well in the Welsh countryside. Our fields, woodlands and highlands are all falling silent. In the last 50 years, 40 million birds have disappeared from the UK’s skies. In Wales, one in 14 species of wildlife is under risk of extinction. We’re seeing some of our most beloved and iconic birds struggling to survive.
Take the curlew for example – this elegant and striking bird was once widespread throughout Wales, but now their breeding numbers have dwindled to just 400 pairs. Other birds are not faring well either, with yellowhammers, golden plover black grouse all declining.
Why is this happening? There are many causes, from climate change to invasive, non-native species. However, changes to the way we manage the land is one of the main reasons. Some past farming policies, like the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), were introduced to increase food production. These policies gave little thought to protecting the environment. This has driven unsustainable farming practices in many parts of Wales, which has led to damage being done to our wildlife.
However, there’s an opportunity to change things for the better. As we prepare to leave the EU, it gives us a chance to create a new farming policy that works for farmers and nature. Last month, the Welsh Government launched a new consultation on future farming in Wales. It proposes creating a policy that would pay farmers for looking after the environment whilst also producing sustainable food.
We think that rewarding farmers to look after the environment is a good idea.
Nature provides us with the services and natural resources on which we all depend. From healthy soils to grow food, clean water to drink, trees to lock up carbon and peat bogs to store water and reduce floods, we couldn’t live without them.
Given that almost 90% of Wales is farmed, farmers are the best placed
people to look after the environment, so we think it makes sense to pay them to do it.
A lot of farmers in Wales already farm in ways that are friendly for nature. Many are doing a great job of producing sustainable food while looking after nature and the wider environment.
By changing to the new farming system that the Government is proposing, it would be a massive step forwards in creating a country where nature-friendly farming is the norm once again.
We believe that it is vital that the Welsh Government go ahead with these plans. You can take part in the consultation by signing our online e-action which can be found on our Facebook and Twitter pages. By doing this, you’ll be telling to tell the Welsh Government that you want to see a new farming policy that works for both nature and farmers.