Principle considerations for arable field margin establishment and management

摘要

Significant efforts have been made to promote biodiversity on farmland in the UKby many stakeholders. Despite these efforts, the decline in farmland biodiversity isonly likely to be reversed following the widespread uptake of environmentalstewardship options. Field margins are an important stewardship option, andalthough they cannot deliver all biodiversity targets, they are probably the singlebest management option for arable land. Margins can support a diverse range ofcommunities and act as corridors in the landscape, as well as providing resources formore wide-ranging wildlife. The value and diversity of field margins depend ontheir location in the landscape, soil type, topography and management. So whilemargins need to be created where such habitats are absent, the overall amountrequired to deliver biodiversity targets is unknown. Species rich field margins mayprovide habitat and resources for more bio diverse communities, but these marginshave to be managed appropriately, by lowering fertility and encouragingheterogeneity, to maximise the benefits. Through an understanding of localbiodiversity action plans, ecological principles and site characteristics, arablefarmers may be encouraged to meet wider biodiversity, environmental and socialtargets.