Know How / Biodiversity WILDLIFESupplementary feeding lifts winter farmland bird countsFarms providing supplementary feeding recorded higher numbers of several farmland bird species that are in long-term national breeding decline, according to the latest Big Farmland Bird Count. The annual survey,… BIODIVERSITYAI birdsong trial maps pig and poultry farm biodiversityPilgrim’s Europe has completed a biodiversity monitoring trial across 40 livestock farms, using AI-powered birdsong technology to measure bird populations and wider ecosystem health. The project involved 10 broiler farms… BIODIVERSITYNature-friendly farming on public displayFarmers across the UK have been opening their gates this week to showcase how nature-friendly farming can help improve resilience, food production and biodiversity. Nature Friendly Farming Week, running from… BIODIVERSITYTraders anticipate 'massive increase' in BNG demandTraders and brokers are anticipating a “massive increase” in demand for biodiversity net gain (BNG) units, following confirmation by Defra that the requirement to deliver environmental improvements is being extended… BIODIVERSITYHigh Court finds Dartmoor stock assessments inadequateThe High Court has ruled that the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council (DCC) failed in its legal duty to properly assess livestock levels on Dartmoor Commons. The judicial review, heard in July… ARABLEHow farmers can deliver for nature and their businessBalancing food production with delivering for nature is something many farmers are seeking to achieve. And there are ways to make environmental improvements, while also benefiting the bottom line. Practices… WILDLIFENatural England confirms beaver release in the South WestBeavers are set to be released in South West England in the coming weeks, following approval by Natural England. Two further licences have been issued as part of a government… ENVIRONMENTProject enhances water quality for Conwy farmersA collaborative nature project in north Wales is expected to deliver enhanced water quality and improved habitats for farms along the Afon Eidda in Conwy. The Uwch Conwy project, run… ENVIRONMENTLandscape Recovery: In conversation with Tony JuniperLandscape Recovery – the third leg of Defra’s Environmental Land Management strategy – has been heralded as having a “critical” role to play in supporting environmentally sustainable food production in… ENVIRONMENTHow Focus Farms are helping royal estate on regen journeyThe Duchy of Cornwall has a long history of trying to do right by nature, with both the current Duke (Prince William) and his predecessor (King Charles) renowned for their… ENVIRONMENTHow green outcomes can be delivered on a shoestring budgetIn the heart of the Lake District, a group of 49 farmers has been testing whether environmental progress can be made without deep pockets. They are discovering just how far… ARABLEHerts farmer shows how production and biodiversity combineA Hertfordshire arable farmer has won the prestigious Silver Lapwing Award for his long-standing commitment to species and habitat conservation. Andrew Bott of Finches Farm, Benington, was recognised by the… WILDLIFEThink tank disputes government data on farmland bird declineA major government report suggesting UK farmland bird populations are in serious decline has been strongly challenged by the Science for Sustainable Agriculture (SSA) think tank, which says the data… BIODIVERSITYFree tools to help farmers monitor habitat and biodiversityA new freely available app is helping farmers and landowners monitor biodiversity and manage habitat quality. The app, known as e-Surveyor, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make ecological surveying more… BIODIVERSITYNew habitat mapping tool to baseline biodiversityA fully automated habitat mapping and site screening tool has been launched this week to deliver rapid ecological assessments in just minutes. Biodiversity mapping data company Gentian announced the launch… BIODIVERSITYDefra’s nature and food targets swayed by Land Use FrameworkDefra is considering introducing varied support schemes for nature and food production in England, linked to location and land type, as a result of recommendations in the Land Use Framework.… BIODIVERSITY27 acoustic sensors to monitor pollinators in beet cropsA network of 27 acoustic sensors is being installed at a large farming estate in North Norfolk, as part of a joint project between British Sugar and York-based agri-tech company… BIODIVERSITYWhat bioacoustics means for farm habitats and biodiversityUsing sensors and smart listening technology to understand more about on-farm habitats and the biodiversity they support is coming to a field near you. Known as bioacoustics, it combines biology… ENVIRONMENTSouth Downs National Park launches policy consultationFarmers operating within the South Downs National Park will be expected to plant more trees, help clean watercourses, and provide better public access as part of a new Partnership Management… BUSINESSWhat smarter, fairer farm data means for UK agricultureThere’s no getting around it — farming across Britain is under intense pressure. Whether you’re in livestock, arable, dairy or horticulture, the challenges are piling up: rising input costs, labour…
