The Changing British Landscape & Why We Need to Act

Many features in our landscapes have been formed as a result of food production. The hedge, for example, is not naturally occurring and exists as a result of man harnessing nature to provide fences and shelter to contain and protect livestock. Wildlife has responded and thrived within this farmed landscape. Many birds nest and feed in hedgerows (for example, linnet, tree sparrow and bullfinch), and in the winter birds feed on the berries (for example, song thrushes, fieldfare and redwings). The hedge is also important to bats, insects, and woodland flowers, such as bluebells. To some extent it is the demise in the quality of our hedges in recent decades that has contributed to the declines in some of our wildlife species.

The management of the hedge changed dramatically with the introduction of the mechanical hedge cutter. Hedges have been harshly cut back each September, removing the available food sources and curtailing berry production. The available shelter for birds and mammals is reduced as the hedge is thinned and the wind penetrates through the branches.

How will wildlife benefit?

Hedges will be a key target for the essential Waitrose dairy farms involved with the WildCare Scheme. Improved management can bring back the food that is so lacking to wildlife in the winter months. Hedges will be bigger, cut less often and improved where there are gaps or sections are dying. Field margins placed close to the hedge will improve the habitat, providing a 'green belt' for wildlife.

Also targeted on the Waitrose dairy farms is the amount of wildlife habitat. For each farm a minimum of 10% of the dairy area will need to be wildlife habitat, as defined within the WildCare Scheme Standards (Definition of Eligible Habitats). Hedges and field margins will count towards this area. Low input grassland, woodland and land that is left uncultivated (known as 'set-a-side') will also contribute to the area requirement, provided they are managed according to the WildCare Scheme Standards. Each farm will be visited and a detailed measurement of the area of habitat will be taken. Future plans for further enhancement of wildlife habitat is agreed within the Farm Wildlife Action Plans - together with a programme to increase the area to the required 10% if necessary.

What's in it for the farmer?

The Wildlife Trusts believe that the 'green agenda' for farming is rapidly moving ahead. The expectations of both the public and the policy-makers suggest that farming will increasingly need to demonstrate its green credentials. The Waitrose Milk Scheme is leading the industry with WildCare. By showing commitment to the farmed environment, the Waitrose Milk pool is ideally placed to meet the challenges of the marketplace.

Low cost, or even no cost, conservation options can have a huge impact on wildlife and quality British food. Helping British wildlife and maintaining the British countryside is a powerful a message for the farmer as well as the consumer.