Posted on behalf of Andrew Holland, Brecks Farm Conservation Adviser

Andrew is one of the newest members of our farm advice team, based in the Brecks in East Anglia. Here he tells us what inspired him to make the change from farming to working with the RSPB, and how he'll be helping wildlife-friendly farmers in his new patch.   

"I worked for over twenty-eight years growing various vegetables and cereals on the family…

The June 2013 G8 summit is taking place now against the stunning back drop of Lough Erne in Fermanagh . Next door to where the heads of state are ensconced is Fernay and White Island South, a long standing RSPB reserve managed for breeding waders. You should be able to spot these islands on most of the coverage of the summit. The RSPB in Lough Erne have a network of 39 islands which are bursting with wildlife with wading…

"Really good website"

"Nice stand, informative and friendly staff."

"Excellent idea."

Just some of the comments we had on our stand at the Cereals event. We're particularly pleased because these comments came from farmers looking at our brand new approach to farm advice. This falls into two complementary halves - direct advice for farmers in key target areas across the UK, and a suite…

As we were busy last week making sure our new roller banners arrived in time for Cereals (do drop in to stand 4-C-435 on Wednesday or Thursday to hear our exciting news!!), our colleagues working on climate change spotted some provocative stuff written in The Wall Street Journal on arable farming.

Find out more here.

Its interesting stuff....

Today we have a brilliant guest blog by Justine Hards from LEAF, getting to the heart of the importance of farm visits.

“What people do not understand, they do not value; what they do not value, they will not protect, and what they do not protect, they will lose.” — Charles Jordan

It seems our children are still rather confused about their food – where it comes from, what’s in it, who grows it and…

By Deborah Deveney, HNV Campaign Leader

So much has happened since our first blog on High Nature Value (HNV) farming back in January, in particular over the past few weeks, there’s a lot to tell you about.  Most importantly it’s great to see recognition for these extensive farming systems is beginning to grow – systems that produce good quality food, sustain wildlife, protect many of our special landscapes as well…

For a vibrant picture of High Nature Value farming in Scotland – and what you can do to help keep it vibrant – read this brilliant blog by Vicki Swales, Head of Land Use Policy RSPB Scotland.

Come back on Friday to hear more about the RSPB’s work on High Nature Value Farming across the UK. 

Machair: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

We’re busy this week getting ready for Cereals, an event that I always enjoy.  It’s a great chance to talk with arable farmers from the UK and beyond, to hear what they think and need, and debate the increasing challenges that farming and wildlife face together.

This year I’m even more excited.  Not only can you come to our stand to chat with our staff and some of the amazing farmers we are lucky to…

Did you hear today’s news about a new study by the British Nutrition Foundation?  They surveyed over 27,500 children across the UK. 

And guess what?

Children’s knowledge of where there food comes from is shockingly poor.  Almost a third (29%) of primary school children think that cheese comes from plants, and nearly one in five (18%) say that fish fingers come from chicken.

These findings add to the growing…