I'm currently very interested in Wildlife Friendly farming and have been wondering if the RSPB works with, or tries to work with, farmers around Dearne Valley? If the local farms are or could be managed in a Wildlife friendly way then the farmland species that live at these reserves (such as Lapwings) would increase in numbers. Nature Reserves are fantastic, but if we want to halt the loss of biodiversity the wider environment must work for Wildlife too.
Chris
Hi Chris,
It's fantastic that you have such a keen interest in this particular issue. You're quite right that wildlife doesn't operate in isolation, and needs natural corridors along which to travel, expand and sustain itself. You'll be pleased to know, that with that in mind, the RSPB is working alongside a number of farmers in the Dearne Valley. Our nature reserves are in a mix of urban and rural environments, which is why we are officially considered a 'futurescape' by the RSPB (see www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes) This is the RSPB vision for conservation across the UK, which concentrates on interconnected landscape-scale projects. We're very proud to be one of these!
Obviously all partnership working depends on the willingness of all parties to get involved, and they must be mutually benificial, so we will continue to work hard to promote the value of nature and the environment locally, to everyone who loves and works here.
Best wishes,
Julia.
Thanks Julia :)