Today sees the launch of one of the most comprehensive assessments of the health of the UK’s natural environment. Sadly, much of the ‘State of Nature’ report, written by new partnership of 25 research and conservation organisations, including the RSPB, doesn't make for happy reading – but there is hope so keep on reading!
But before we get there, I’m afraid we have to face the facts: much of the UK’s flora and fauna is not doing well and that’s across all habitat types, from farmland and woodland through to coastal and marine areas. And this is just the latest snapshot of a historical pattern of decline in the UK.
In a nutshell, and looking at only farmland, 60% of species are declining, 34% of them severely and many of these changes are linked to shifts in farmland management.
But - as the report also highlights, we can turn things around for at least some of these species:
“Agri-environment schemes have helped to increase the population of rare species and local populations of more widespread species, and there is evidence that even simple measures, such as those available in the English Entry Level Scheme, benefit birds”.
Every year the RSPB celebrates the work of farmers who take steps for wildlife, often through agri-environment schemes which are entirely taxpayer funded. These ‘Nature of Farming Award’ winners demonstrate just how space for nature can be reintegrated into conventional and often highly productive farming systems. Take a look at some of our recent NOFA winners here – they’re an inspirational bunch.
But the report does go on to say:
“However, we have not seen the much-hoped for recoveries of farmland wildlife – probably because not enough farmers have taken up the most effective agri-environment options, and available funding is limited.”
So there is still a lot for us to do. We need to squeeze more value out of agri-environment schemes so nature stands a chance of recovery and at the same time, decision makers need to ensure these schemes get the funding they need – including by transferring as much money as possible from the CAP’s ‘direct payment’ pot into rural development funding – which pays for agri-environment schemes.
We, and you know, that farmers are able to deliver fantastic things for the environment, often through some relatively minor adjustments to their farm management. But as today’s State of Nature report shows, we still need to do much more.
The good news is that there is scope to do more – for many species in decline, the challenge is not finding out what they need to recover, it’s securing the political will to ensure the options they need are in place at the necessary scale. So let’s work together to make that happen!