Arable Field Margins
Modern arable fields contain a single crop with very little to offer wildlife, but it wasn't always this way. Before fertilisers and herbicides created these intensive fields, crops grew in amongst any number of grasses and wildflowers blown into the field. A number of species grew together, attracting birds, insects and small mammals to feast on the seed, fruit and flowers available.
While most of our modern agricultural systems exclude these "weeds" to boost productivity there is opportunity along the field boundaries to create these wildlife rich areas. Where seeds will always blow in, or the field edges are less productive, some farmers leave field margins to shoot with wildflowers. These areas are particularly important for several bird species for the cover and food they provide. The tall herbs and other flowers are an important refuge for small mammals, particularly when the field is harvested.
These wild edges can have benefits to the farm as well. These areas encourage insects like ladybirds, who have an appetite for some crop pests.
For more information see;
RSPB: Advice for farmers on arable field margins.
Explore more grassland and farmland habitats by using the navigation bar on the left or go back to Biodiversity in the National Park.
