Biodiversity
RuralScapes has an excellent track record in delivering habitat improvements for species on the Biodiversity Action Plan list. Our approach is always practical and inclusive. We aim to engage all the interested parties including farmers, conservation groups and government agencies, as we believe that good communication is at the core of project success.
- Ruralscapes is a member of the Shropshire Biodiversity Partnership Steering Group. A group which is responsible for delivering the Shropshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Ruralscapes is leading on 10 Actions under the Plan and Supporting a further 28. For more information go to www.naturalshropshire.org.uk
- Organised public events to demonstrate the role of farming in biodiversity
- Liaise with landowners and government agencies in specific habitat improvement schemes such pond and wetland creation.
- Give talks to local wildlife groups, other organisations and farming groups about the success of our projects and how to get involved.
- Deliver projects that aim to engage the farming community on specific species or habitat improvements.
We have had particular success with the Lapwing Project, in partnership with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. The project started in 2002 in the Severn Vyrnwy confluence area and has been extended in the last 5 years to cover many more Lapwing breeding areas in Shropshire.
By targeting specific areas we have linked up stewardship agreements on different holdings, producing large areas of land under appropriate management. In Baggymoor we have linked up some 700 hectares of land in stewardship schemes and in the Severn Vyrnwy confluence area this figure is closer to 800 hectares.
More information about the Lapwing Project.