Why farming matters and what you can do

Farming is of fundamental importance for wildlife. Farmland provides breeding and feeding habitats for birds and other animals and plants. Three-quarters of the land in the UK is farmed, and food production is a vital activity on which we all depend.

Since World War II, farming policy has encouraged large-scale, efficient food production, often at the expense of wildlife. In many areas of the UK, populations of farmland birds are in big trouble.

The RSPB believes that we can develop agricultural and trade systems that meet our need for food without reducing the benefits of farming for wildlife.

Nature of Farming Award

Now in its third year, the Nature of Farming Award celebrates the efforts of farmers providing for wildlife on their farms. Do you, and your farm, have what it takes to win the 2010 competition?

Find out more

In 1999, we bought a working lowland arable farm, Hope Farm, in Cambridgeshire. Run as a commercial enterprise, we use Hope Farm to give hands-on demonstrations of how farming can benefit birds and other wildlife without farmers losing income.

Your gift today will help us continue testing the introduction of new wildlife friendly farming techniques.

Gift donations for Hope Farm

The generosity of our supporters is vital, and Hope Farm relies on regular gift donations to help with its work.

Find out more about making a gift donation

Hope Farm diary

Keep up to date with the goings on at Hope Farm by logging onto the blog.

Read the blog

Farmer spotlight

Robert Kynaston

Robert, who farms in Great Wollaston, Shropshire, entered into an agri-environment scheme over ten years ago and has seen how it has helped wildlife on this farm. More...

Robert Kynaston

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Become a member and support the RSPB's work to find wildlife-friendly methods of farming

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Latest farming news

Farmland bird populations in sharp decline, Government figures show

29 July 2010

Overall farmland bird populations in England fell by 5 per cent last year to their lowest level for 40 years, according to official figures released today (July 29, 2010).

Lapwing - adult female in breeding habitat pasture

Farmers needed to help save the disappearing turtle dove

21 July 2010

Farmers are being asked to help scientists work out why turtle doves are disappearing from our countryside.

Juvenile turtle dove on ground
Moorland landscape with heather in August

Have your say on our vision for the Eastern Moors

15 July 2010

We're asking local people to help shape the future of two of the most popular swathes of moorland in the Peak District.

This website has case studies of farmers managing habitats for wildlife, a discussion forum for farmers to ask any questions on farm management for wildlife conservation and a library of information on farm wildlife conservation with links to other relevant websites.

Find out more