UK Wildlife

UK Farmland Nature Recovery

Restoring nature on farmland through agri-environment schemes, rewilding, and sustainable farming practices is essential for UK wildlife recovery, with new post-Brexit Environmental Land Management schemes central.

Key Facts

UK farmland covers around 70% of UK land area, making it critical for wildlife
Post-Brexit Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes pay farmers for nature recovery
Upland areas support globally rare habitats including blanket bog and limestone grassland
Rewilding projects including Knepp Estate have demonstrated transformative wildlife recovery
Cover crops, beetle banks, and flower margins are practical wildlife-friendly farm measures

Welfare Considerations

Farmland nature recovery is essential for the wildlife whose welfare was devastated by agricultural intensification. Agri-environment scheme effectiveness depends on scheme design, payment rates, and farmer uptake. Ensuring ELM schemes deliver genuine welfare and conservation benefits requires careful monitoring.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust advocacy for well-designed agri-environment schemes
Visit rewilding projects including Knepp Estate to see wildlife recovery in action
Advocate for agri-environment funding that prioritises genuine biodiversity outcomes