Conservation and rural environmental protection schemes

One of the main effects of intensification of agriculture in the last half century has been the reduction in the area of the various semi-natural habitats associated with traditional, mixed farming (Vickery et al. 2004). In general, since the land cover type and productivity of a specific location determine intensity of farming practices, the greatest habitat losses have occurred in lowland, fertile areas dominated by arable farming. However, as the RSPB (2001) point out, the decline in habitat quality has also been a major factor in marginal agricultural areas. Solutions to these problems of habitat loss have, in general, involved, firstly, the agricultural landscape being targeted for remedial work and secondly, the motivation of landowners by policymakers to change any farm practices that are detrimental to the rural environment. Incentives have been provided through a range of policy measures including agri-environment and wildlife management schemes.