Biodiversity on the farm

James Chestnutt of Stranocum contributes to biodiversity by managing an area of lowland raised bog under the Countryside Management Scheme.

This is a unique and threatened habitat in Northern Ireland. It is home to a variety of plants and birds, including the insect-eating plant, sundew. As part of the scheme, he also manages a crop of wild bird cover, which provides food for seed-eating birds in winter.

Biodiversity on the farm simply means the numbers and variety of plants, animals and birds found there. This covers everything from the smallest living thing in the soil to the oldest hedgerow tree. In Northern Ireland, many of our species depend on farmland to survive, for example, the yellowhammer nests low down in good thick hedges, and in winter, it feeds on spilt grain found in winter stubbles.

The places where plants and animals feed, shelter and survive are called habitats and managing these is crucial to maintaining biodiversity on the farm. Each farm will have its own unique mix of habitats, which may include heath or bog, woodland, scrub, grasslands and wetlands. Less obvious habitats include sheughs, hedges and stone walls which provide home for mosses, lichens, ferns and other wild flowers.

Every farm in Northern Ireland contributes to biodiversity. By managing habitats in a positive way, farmers can make an enormous contribution to the environment, benefiting everyone.

In Northern Ireland, the gradual move away from mixed farming towards more intensive production has contributed to a decrease in some farmland species and their habitats in recent years. In order to help reverse this trend, the Department of the Environment has produced a series of Biodiversity Action Plans, targeting those species and habitats most in need of help and outlining ways in which all land users can help to reverse these declines.

If you require help and guidance with habitat management on your farm, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.