Annex B
THE LINK
BETWEEN AGRICULTURE
AND BIODIVERSITY
1. Much of England's biodiversity interest
is in semi-natural habitats. A large proportion of the most valued
habitats and associated species in England has arisen from agricultural
management of the natural environment over hundreds of years (Tilzey,
1998). Farming practices of this type have not only been compatible
with the conservation of biodiversity and other environmental
resources, they have actively moulded its very character. Key
components include semi-natural grassland habitats; cropped habitats;
field margins, ditches, ponds and hedgerows; and important mosaics
of different habitats. Research for the UK Wildlife and Countryside
Agencies (Doyle et al, 1997) highlights a similar relationship
between agriculture and biodiversity interest in other areas of
Europe. While this "multi-functionality" can be contested
in terms of its uniqueness, it is indisputable that England, for
example, is characterised by an "old-settled" agricultural
system ie one that has developed over a period of many centuries.
2. In recent decades, the traditional relationship
between farming and the environment has broken down. It is well-established
that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has, along with other
factors, encouraged environmentally damaging intensification of
agriculture. This is shown in the decline in farmland birds over
the past 25 years (Tilzey 1998):
— Corn bunting, tree sparrow, grey
partridge and turtle dove have all declined by 70 per cent during
this period;
— Skylark, linnet and lapwing have
declined by at least 50 per cent.
3. These losses are primarly associated
with changes in agricultural practices. Technological developments,
changing market circumstances, changing social conditions in rural
areas and policy initiatives such as the CAP have all played a
role.
4. It is also becoming increasingly evident
that these biodiversity losses are being exacerbated by habitat
fragmentation and the loss of mixed farming systems. Many of our
important species are dependent on the availability of a mosaic
of habitats for feeding, roosting, and breeding (bird and bat
species).
5. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan includes
the protection of farmland habitats and species. This represents
our international commitments under the Biodiversity Convention
(1992), signed by 175 nations. It is precisely the semi-natural
character and mosaic of habitats in the UK which makes them unusual
and important in a world context. These commitments require both
maintenance of the remaining resource and recovery of former losses.
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