Project Aim: To determine whether simple cost effective management practices for uncropped land can deliver significant and measurable increases in biodiversity on mainstream arable farms.
Approach: In 2007, a range of habitats occupying 1.5% or 6% of the total farmed area, and distributed either as field margin strips or large blocks, was established on a number of farms in the south and the east of England. These habitats included annual cultivation for rare arable plants, insect rich cover for foraging birds, flower-rich grassland for insects and a wild bird seed mixture.
The number of bird, mammal and insect species and their abundance is being quantified until the end of summer 2009 on these farms and, for comparison, on farms without the new habitats. This will allow guidelines to be developed that will help to determine how managed uncropped land on arable farms can help farmland wildlife to thrive. |
HGCA Funding £157,367
Total cost £1,080,137
Start date 01 August 2005
End date 28 February 2010
Lead Scientist Jim Orson, The Arable Group
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Insect rich cover (triticale and vetch)
