Conference told farmers play vital role in sustainable wildlife habitats

FARMERS are playing an increasingly vital role in creating a sustainable habitat for wildlife, claimed experts at the Teagasc-hosted Conserving Farmland Biodiversity conference in Wexford yesterday.

The updated Irish Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2015 comes into effect this year, and highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation, both in the wider countryside and in protected areas.

In its recent Government strategy for agriculture, the Food Harvest 2020 report outlines a vision for the agri-food sector in which the conservation of biodiversity is one of the main environmental goals.

Teagasc countryside management specialist Catherine Keena said: “Farmers are aware of the wildlife that occurs on their own farms. All farms have some wildlife habitats such as hedgerows, field margins, watercourses or areas of species-rich grassland. The successful conservation of farmland wildlife depends on the continued awareness and management of farmers to maintain and enhance wildlife habitats.”

There will be renewed EU policy emphasis to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 that will specify actions for biodiversity conservation over the next decade.

Teagasc environment researcher Dr John Finn said: “Research by Teagasc and our research partners is helping to guide the most appropriate management for the protection of farmland wildlife. Measuring and demonstrating the provision of farmland wildlife as a public good will be a justification for long-term delivery of agri-environment schemes and payments.”

The conference runs for two days and will highlight current and future practices on the maintenance and protection of farmland wildlife.