Plantlife’s Work in Farming
Plantlife has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, working directly with farmers, calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices and producing guidance.
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Meet our Agricultural Advisor
Our Agricultural Advisor Hywel Morgan runs a 230-acre beef and sheep farm at the western end of the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park).
It was 5 years ago, after a conversation with a Civil Servant, that Hywel started farming for nature.
Find out more about Hywel’s journey here.
Our Policy Work
Sustainable Farming Needs Government Support, Report Reveals
Semi-natural grasslands need to be prioritised, valued and resourced.
As governments continue to undervalue grasslands, we are calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices.
A Big Win for Grassland, But Farmers Need More
Our experts have been delving into the details and shared their thoughts on DEFRA’s latest funding changes for farmers.
The Grassland Gap
The majority of our ancient wildlife-rich grasslands have been destroyed and they are now among the UK’s rarest habitats – with losses continuing today. Over-fertilised and monoculture fields now dominate our landscape, providing few benefits for nature, people or our climate.
Our Reports
Farming Income for Semi-Natural Grasslands
Grasslands account for just over 70% of the UK’s utilised agricultural area, and with appropriate management, semi-natural grasslands can support sustainable food production, as well as provide
ecosystem services and wider societal benefits (i.e. ‘public goods’), such as mitigating pollution and flooding events, and storing carbon in their soils. Yet farmers still need to be able to make a living in
managing their land for environmental outcomes and public goods.Review of Trends in Grasslands Across the UK
It is widely accepted that there has been a large decline in the extent of species-rich grasslands across the UK since the
1930s. However, there have been limited studies exploring the recent overall trends in their extent. This report
was commissioned to review the existing evidence and data on the trends and extent of species-rich and semi-natural
grasslands, broken down by UK nation where possible.Valuing the Vital: Grassland Ecosystem Services in the UK
This report offers a review of existing literature and evidence on the numerous advantages associated with species-rich grasslands.
Management Guides and Resources
Managing Arable Farm Land
Arable farmland has the power to create a positive impact for biodiversity, as well as food production.
Many wildflowers thrive in areas of soil that are regularly disturbed by farmers growing crops. Careful and regular management is required to ensure these crucial areas of nature can thrive.
Fungi and Farming: A Waxcap Journey on a Welsh Farm
It’s waxcap season in the Upper Ystwyth and Plantlife’s Sheena Duller explains why fungi and farming can go so well together.
Managing Meadows
Wildflower meadows are often a defining feature of the summer, but when managed properly they can also be a vital habitat for wildlife and nature recovery.
Take a look through our guidance on managing meadows, the equipment needed, which seeds to choose and much much more.
Read a Case Study
Work on a Welsh Farm with Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants
Through our Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants we worked with a landowner to help realise their vision of a nature rich, multi-functional landscape on this 120ha hill farm in mid-Wales, whilst remaining true to the traditions of Welsh hill farming.
Our recommendations enabled the landowner to achieve their vision for the estate by allowing nature to recover, without compromising the farming which had taken place over generations. We are now working long term with this estate providing ongoing support and advice.
You can read more about our work here.
