27 May 2023

Protecting wildlife habitats to increase biodiversity on farm

Wildlife habitats such as hedgerows, field margins, ponds, wetlands, and woodlands, commonly occur on Irish farms. The retention of existing habitats is vitally important, as they deliver ecological benefits.

Wildlife habitats are vital to ecology, but they also provide important benefits – commonly referred to as ecosystem services – to agricultural systems, including:

nutrient cycling in soil
flood prevention
regulation of pests and diseases
pollination
carbon storage

Protect existing habitats

The retention of existing habitats is vitally important, as they typically deliver greater ecological benefits compared with newly created habitats. Farmers should first aim to retain and optimise the ecological quality of existing farmland habitats, before establishing new biodiversity or carbon initiatives. Whilst existing habitats should be protected from intensive agricultural management, some semi-natural habitats benefit from reduced farm management, e.g. light grazing of extensive grasslands prevents the area from scrubbing over. More frequently occurring habitats such as hedgerows also benefit from a reduction in management. Revising cutting practices to generate a tall hedgerow structure, with flowering trees, provides multiple environmental benefits. Avoiding fertiliser, slurry and herbicide application along field and watercourse margins is beneficial for biodiversity and water quality.

New measures

Where there is a lack of existing habitats on a farm, new measures can be designed and targeted to provide multiple benefits for biodiversity, water quality and carbon storage. All farmers can help protect the quantity and quality of wildlife habitats. Effective implementation of such measures can play an important role in the reversal of biodiversity decline and ensure the continued delivery of crucial ecosystem services. In addition, such approaches can offer significant marketing opportunities to Irish farmers and retailers in terms of capitalising on Ireland’s reputation for sustainable production systems.

National Biodiversity Week Ireland 2023 takes place 19th – 28th May. ‘Explore the rich variety of life in Ireland this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family.’
Find out more about National Biodiversity Week here.