How wild margins can attract birds - and establish a reliable income

摘要

Applying for farm environmental schemes can be time-consuming with no guarantee of success, but if approved they can prove to be financially worthwhile. David Jones talks to one successful Gloucestershire farmer while a Lincolnshire fens grower recounts his experience of filling in forms.George Ponsonby is looking to boost farmland bird numbers across his land and secure a steady income as subsidies are likely to tumble after Britain leaves the European Union.He is particularly eager for grey partridges to return to his farm in the south-east corner of Gloucestershire close to the upper reaches of the River Thames, and also plan for life after Brexit in 2019.