Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Farmland Mammal Conservation

UK farmland mammals including harvest mice, field voles, and stoats face welfare challenges from intensive agriculture, with conservation interventions available.

Key Facts

Harvest mouse populations have declined significantly due to loss of rough grassland and hedgerows
Field voles are a critical prey species supporting kestrel, barn owl, and short-eared owl populations
Stoat welfare is affected by legal trapping for game management, raising welfare concerns
Conservation headlands and grassy margins support farmland mammal populations significantly
Reintroduction of weasels and stoats to areas of local extinction is under consideration

Welfare Considerations

Farmland mammal welfare requires habitat restoration and evidence-based management. Each farmland mammal supported through habitat creation is a direct welfare benefit.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that create rough grassland and hedgerow habitat
Advocate for welfare-positive pest control methods on farms
Participate in farmland mammal monitoring surveys