WildCare News

Cream of dairy farming crop nurture wildlife through new green scheme

Wildlife on farms is set to get a vital boost with the launch of an exclusive scheme, endorsed by The Wildlife Trusts.

The scheme, called WildCare, is part of the Waitrose Select Farm Milk Scheme. WildCare is designed to improve wildlife habitats, for example, through the restoration and re-creation of hedgerows. And also to increase the diversity - from otters to owls - and numbers of species such as the threatened water vole and song thrush. The main focus is on the creation of 'wildlife corridors' that, through effective environmental management, provide vital habitats on farms for many species of plants, mammals, birds and insects. WildCare is based on a set of environmental standards, compiled with The Wildlife Trusts, which require at least 10% of a farm's total area to be set aside for wildlife - a target which is double the national average.

White Gold Service, an independent subsidiary of AB Agri, will operate the WildCare scheme. Advisors will assess farms supplying Waitrose Select Farm Milk on a field-by-field basis. Each appraisal will measure the existing wildlife habitats and key species present. Individual Farm Wildlife Action Plans (FWAPS) will be agreed to deliver future environmental benefits. These plans will link in directly with local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) as well as the overall UK BAP.

The WildCare scheme further enriches the Waitrose Select Farm Milk group which pays a premium to its dairy farmers, enabling them to reinvest in their farms. All Waitrose Select Farm Milk producers in the scheme support, and indeed fund, the initiative; Chairman Brian Barnett says: "WildCare is exclusive to Waitrose Select Farm Milk. The endorsement of The Wildlife Trusts is important to us, as they will ensure the system is robust in boosting farm wildlife.

"As individual farmers, we are proud of the environment in which we farm. This scheme is a way of measuring the scale and diversity of wildlife, along with a pragmatic approach for protecting and enhancing wildlife in the future - whilst still producing the best quality milk for Waitrose. All participating farms have minimum levels of habitat and, where appropriate, will have action points to enhance habitat corridors and bring wildlife back to the countryside. Hedgerows are a key feature where, with correct management, they can provide a fabulous food source for birds during the winter months."

Waitrose managing director, Mark Price, welcomes the initiative: "Waitrose's Select Farm Milk producers have always taken great care of the environment - dedicating time and energy to managing their farms in a responsible way. The WildCare scheme harnesses this enthusiasm by offering them a formalised and unique approach to providing habitats that encourage an even greater number of species of plants, insects, birds, water life and mammals. In doing so they will help the nation's wildlife to thrive thereby nurturing and contributing to the future of the British countryside."

John Cousins, The Wildlife Trusts' head of agricultural policy, said: "The Wildlife Trusts have a long history of working closely with farmers to achieve the objective of helping wildlife. Waitrose Select Farm Milk offers us the opportunity to demonstrate just how vital meaningful partnerships between an environmental organisation, the retailer and the farmer can be. It points to a new way forward where the consumer can truly help through seeking appropriately produced food. Our precious wildlife, habitats and landscapes will depend on such innovative schemes."

02/07/2007

For further information please contact:

Anna Guthrie
Senior Press Officer - The Wildlife Trusts
Tel: 01636 670075
Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org

Amy Haywood
Communications Manager (Agriculture)
Tel: 01344 825026
Email: Amy_Hayward@waitrose.co.uk