Recognise farmers' contribution to wildlife survival, FUW says

Welsh farmers are concerned about the findings of a new report which claims wildlife in Wales is in crisis despite a legacy of many years of agri-environmental management schemes. the Farmers' Union of Wales stressed today.

The State of Nature report, launched in Cardiff last night by TV and wildlife presenter Iolo Williams alongside Welsh conservation charities, concludes wildlife in Wales is at a crisis point.

Scientists from 25 wildlife organisations have compiled a stock take of our native species - the first of its kind in Wales and the UK.

Their report reveals that across the UK, 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades and it is suspected this trend is mirrored in Wales.

"Obviously, we are concerned about some of the issues raised by the report, particularly as so many farmers in Wales have embraced agri-environmental schemes and management," said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams.

"Despite the difficulties associated with the current Glastir Scheme, many farmers have historically embraced agri-environmental schemes and it is therefore extremely concerning that the report suggests that some species are in decline.

"The union believes that it is extremely important that the environmental management that farmers are contracted to do in good faith is recognised and that the impact of the recent trend towards de-stocking the uplands for example is addressed as a matter of some urgency.

"It's clear from the report that there needs to be more Wales-specific data available on the state of some of these species as there is great potential for farmers and conservationists to work together to balance the needs of biodiversity with food production and food security in the future."

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