You will probably have seen our previous blog posts about the Glastir consultation. This is your chance to have your say on the Welsh Governments farmland wildlife scheme. The Government are currently asking for views on the design and implementation of Glastir over the next 6 years. The scheme end date coincides with the EU and Welsh Government commitment to halt the loss of wildlife by 2020. It is vitally important therefore that this scheme plays a major part in helping to stop the loss of wildlife in the wider countryside. As RSPB we are calling for the scheme to be a part of a wider fully funded programme for nature’s recovery.
Although previous agri-environment schemes have delivered some environmental benefit including some habitat improvements on farms they have not addressed the decline in wildlife on farmland in Wales. It is crucial therefore that the Welsh Government gets Glastir right. Please help get this message to the Welsh Government.
You might like to read about some successful case studies where farmland environmental schemes (also known as agri-environment schemes) have helped to deliver for farmland wildlife: Cirl Bunting Recovery Project (Devon) – The project encouraged the use of agri-environment schemes to provide suitable conditions for cirl buntings. The schemes helped to provide weedy fields in winter as well as hedgerows and scrub for nesting in summer measures which have quite likely saved the cirl bunting in the south west as well as allowing for their return to Cornwall. This has resulted in their numbers increasing from 118 pairs in 1989 to 860 pairs in 2009.
image credit - chris gomersall
Corncrakes which were once found throughout the UK suffered huge declines following changes to mowing practices on farmland. Usual mowing practice results in up to 60 per cent of chicks being killed. By the 1990’s Corncrakes were found only in the Hebrides and Orkney in Scotland! However, since 1992 changes to mowing practices have been encouraged, principally through agri-environment payments in Scotland. By altering practices such as delaying mowing to avoid the breeding season and introducing measures such as providing some cover areas, many more chicks survive and although still under threat numbers are now recovering.
image credit - andy hay
The stone-curlew experienced one of the fastest rates of decline of any bird in the UK, and by 1991 it was estimated there were only 168 pairs in the UK. The main cause of the decline was loss of suitable feeding and nesting areas due to intensification of farming and afforestation. Following research by the RSPB, working closely with farmers and landowners to determine what conditions stone-curlews require for breeding, new measures were introduced to agri-environment schemes in England to provide the bare, open areas they like to nest so they can see the surrounding territory, and can watch for predators. By providing appropriate, specific and targeted management for stone-curlew, through the agri-environment scheme, there are now more than 400 pairs in the UK. These examples help demonstrate how agri-environment schemes can be vital to the survival of threatened wildlife. With the right support and advice for farmers and advisory officers and the right options for delivery, Glastir could be an excellent tool for aiding the delivery of the 2020 target for wildlife.
Please write to the Welsh Government today to ask them to ensure Glastir delivers for priority wildlife.