Water for Wildlife

The Water Framework Directive

Water is our most precious natural asset and a corner stone of all life. Despite this we have in the past overlooked its vulnerability to the effects of pollution and regarded it as an infinite resource open to over use and mismanagement. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) sets out the means by which these past mistakes can be rectified and our rivers, streams, Coastal and wetland heritage can be protected for both ourselves and future generations.

Overgrazed River BankOvergrazed River Bank

While no industry or individual can take responsibility for the mistakes of the past it has long been accepted that agriculture and its associated land management practices has had a huge impact on the countryside and wildlife. This impact is often particularly noticeable in the effects of diffuse farm pollutants on our river systems and the wildlife it supports. The implementation of the Water Framework Directive will inevitably lead to the need for change in the way water and associated habitats are considered and utilised by the farming community.

The Water Framework Directive may at first appear just another level of regulation for the agricultural industry however in reality when considered alongside changes to the common agricultural policy (CAP) and the increased incentives offered by Agri Environmental schemes, compliance with the directive should have benefits for both farmers and wildlife across Wales.

Wildlife in the Welsh Countryside

Farming is the largest single use of the countryside in Wales; over 80% of our countryside is in some way subject to the influence of agriculture. These farmlands provide us with a varied and distinctive landscape typical of Wales. In addition to providing the basic needs of farming these landscapes support a huge diversity of both plant and animal species.

Farmers are in a unique position to help safeguard the environment and to identify changes in wildlife activity on their farms. Many farmers have worked the same area of land for a lifetime and in many cases their families for generations. Often those who work the land on a daily basis hold wildlife records in their heads that any conservation body would find difficult to match. It is this knowledge held by individual landowners combined with the specialist advice available from the Welsh Wildlife Trusts that forms the basis of this project.

While many animal and plants are relatively common, some are extremely rare or threatened and require particularly determined efforts to ensure their survival. Even those we often take for granted such as the bluebell are rare on a European scale. Genetic differences within the same plant or animal provide unique characteristics helping to ensure its long term survival; therefore even common species found in some of our most isolated areas of countryside are unique.

There is a growing realisation that we do not live in isolation from the natural world and that the protection of the environment is a responsibility we all carry. We now understand the importance of preserving biodiversity for aesthetic, economic and moral reasons.

Farm Surveys and Biodiversity Audits (What have I got!!)

Before deciding on ways to improve the conservation value of the farm and to identify any potential financial assistance available, it is essential that a survey of the farm and in particular its wetland features such as ponds, ditches, rivers and streams are surveyed to identify its existing or potential wildlife value. This project attempts to assist farmers and landowners by:

Free Surveys

This is the first stage of the project and will involve carrying out an audit of the farms wetland habitats and associated species at the request of a landowner. Experienced surveyors from the Wildlife Trust will carry out the surveys. Each landowner will receive a list of species identified and will be advised of any particularly important species and habitats found.

Habitat Improvements

Following the survey work those landowners interested in increasing the conservation value of the farm, particularly those keen to improve wetlands and water courses will be offered free confidential advice improved land management. The Wildlife Trust officers will be able to help each landowner draw up an outline plan suggesting ways in which the conservation value of the farm can be improved, taking into consideration the needs of each landowner. Potential sources of funding including current Agri Environmental schemes are listed at the back of this pack.

Monitoring

The pack includes information on recording and monitoring some wetland species and further advice on identification and monitoring is available to landowners free through the Wildlife Trust officers.

Past experience of working with landowners has shown us that in many cases they are best placed to carry out long term monitoring of biodiversity on farms and holdings. This is based on the use of indicator species (animals and plants that require specific conditions to survive). Monitoring these easily identifiable species allows changes in water quality and other conditions on the farm to be easily seen. Key species might include otter, water vole, dragonflies, toads, newts and water birds such as the kingfisher and dipper both associated with good water quality.

Each of these species requires a different method of survey and monitoring and details of survey methods can be found in the pack.

Information on current Agri Environmental schemes is available from the relevant statutory bodies or from the Wildlife Trust project officers.

Further Information

WATER FOR WILDLIFE PROJECT MANAGER

Robert Jones Parry


WTSWW
The Nature Centre
Fountain Rd
Tondu
Bridgend CF32 0EH

Tel 01656 724100

Mobile 07989 478176

E Mail: r.parry@welshwildlife.org

This work form part of the Phoenix Project and is supported with funds from WEFO

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