Schools could be ‘paired’ with farms

All primary schools should be “twinned” with a farm to help children understand how food is produced under proposals to help nature unveiled by Chris Packham.

Primary school classes should also name and own significant urban trees, more than 180,000 miles of hedgerows lost since 1960 should be replanted and there should be wildlife ponds in every industrial estate and public park, according to the plans. The proposals are part of a manifesto for wildlife launched by the TV presenter and naturalist to reverse what he describes as an “ecological apocalypse”, with more than half of British species suffering declines in recent decades.

The manifesto, which Packham says is a “first draft to ignite public interest”, is unveiled ahead of the People’s Walk for Wildlife in central London on Saturday, which he has organised. It includes more controversial suggestions including banning driven grouse shooting, outlawing the use of lead ammunition and snares, making it illegal to dredge for scallops and stopping Scottish seal culling.

There are also proposals to “rewild” a tenth of the UK’S upland areas, reintroduce species such as beaver and lynx, and for 10 per cent of every farm to be managed for wildlife with wildflowers and restored farm ponds and wetlands.

Packham also wants to see a tax on pesticides.