As the State of Nature report highlighted last year, much of our wildlife is declining. In Wales numbers of lapwing have plummeted by more than 75% and 97% of our wildflower meadows have disappeared.
80% of the Welsh countryside is farmed and getting it right here will be vital if we are to halt these terrible losses.
During the autumn, we asked you to email the Minister, Alun Davies, asking him to ensure Wales’ flagship wildlife-farming scheme ‘Glastir’, was adequately funded, and to demonstrate how important wildlife-friendly farming is to you. Hundreds of you responded to this call and we were delighted when just before Christmas the Minister announced that the Welsh Government would make the maximum possible amount of public money available to support farmland environments, rural communities and rural economies.
We have now reached another important stage in the process and again we need you to show the Welsh Government how important the wildlife and countryside of Wales is to you. The Welsh Government is currently reviewing Glastir and they are asking for your views on how the scheme can best work for wildlife and farmers.
This is your chance to officially tell the Welsh Government how you think public money should be invested in the Welsh countryside.
Read my other blog post to find out more about the key factors at stake for wildlife-friendly farming and to find out how you can send your message to the Welsh Government.