For arable farmers, one of the biggest events of the year takes place every June - Cereals. This technical event attracts more than 20,000 visitors over two days. As usual, amidst the shiny new tractors, new varieties of cereal crops and demonstrations, agricultural staff from across the RSPB will be on-hand to provide advice on managing farmland for biodiversity as well as food production. This year we will be showcasing the work we have undertaken at Hope Farm over the last 15 years, and our plans for the future.
RSPB Hope Farm: Image: www.rspb-images.com
Since we bought the farm in 2000, we have seen the abundance of wildlife soar as a result of our approach:
These results have all been achieved whilst still running a productive and profitable arable enterprise, and the farm has been a powerful demonstration that wildlife conservation and food production can successfully go hand-in-hand.
As well as continuing to provide important habitat for farmland wildlife, Hope Farm is also taking on a new challenge. Over the coming years we will be taking a more experimental approach to test and develop innovate ideas for tackling some of the biggest challenges for arable farming - soil degradation, inorganic fertiliser use and blackgrass infestation.
If you're planning to attend the Cereals event, come and have a chat with us to find out more You can find us on Stand 411.
Staff talking to visitors to the RSPB stand at Cereals 2016. Image: Anna Broszkiewicz
Please come and chat to the RSPB at various shows taking place throughout the Spring and Summer. You can find us at:
Balmoral - 10 - 13 May, Belfast
Cereals - 14-15 June, Lincs
Royal Highland Show - 22-25 June, Edinburgh
Royal Welsh Show - 24-27 July, Builth Wells