Devon’s landscapes have many hues of green. Farming and the environment are intertwined. Right now, conversations are happening at farm gates, in pubs, at events and around meeting tables – the subject of which holds the key to securing our future amidst the challenges of climate change. As the urgency mounts, Devon Wildlife Trust and others are advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable farming practices that prioritise nature and food security.
At the heart of this conversation lies a recognition of the delicate balance between agricultural production and environmental stewardship. Food security is a hot topic right now as it is threatened by the impacts of climate change as well as being tied up with the destruction of nature. Food production relies on healthy soils, clean water, and resilience to climate change. But pollutants from agriculture are one of the main causes of wildlife decline, as well as the leading cause of river pollution in England. Restoring nature on farms will bring many benefits, not just for wildlife but also for farmers. Working with nature can increase farm profits and resilience, reduce costs, and maintain or even improve yields.
We work with many farmers and land managers across Devon who have gone to great lengths to support wildlife on their land without being adequately rewarded. The real terms value of the national budget for environmental farming has already fallen by a third since 2010. Not investing properly in nature friendly farming means everyone loses.