Exploring Biodiversity in UK Farming: Why is On-Farm Biodiversity Important
Description
Biodiversity plays a critical role in the health and function of farms, yet it has declined significantly in recent decades. In this episode, hosts Thomas Slattery and Emily Laskin explore the complex relationship between biodiversity and agriculture.
They ask:
Why does biodiversity matter, and what functions does it serve on farms?
How did we end up deprioritising biodiversity?
What farming practices can help to enhance biodiversity, and will these differ across different farms?
Should improving on-farm biodiversity fall solely on farmers' shoulders or is it a shared responsibility?
Can enhancing biodiversity also benefit farmers directly beyond its environmental benefits?
Guests:
- Rob Addicott - Farmer, Stratton Farms
- Natalie Duffus - PhD student, University of Oxford
- Sophie Alexander - Farmer, Hemsworth Farm
- Professor Louise Manning - Professor of Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Lincoln University
Links and resources:
Monitoring biodiversity 24/7 Project at Hemsworth Farm case study video.
Hemsworth Farm Soil Association profile.
Learn more about the Agri-EPI Centre
Learn about the UK Agri-Tech Centres
Biodiversity Agri-Tech we work with:
Listen to our episode with Pollenize here or learn more about them here.
Listen to our episode with AgriSound here or learn more about them here.
Learn more about Chirrip and DawnChorus here.
Learn more about NatureMetrics
Learn more about NatureBound
Thanks to Cofruition for consulting on and producing the show.
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