page 19_Layout 1 26/08/2020 12:24 Page 21 Y TIR NEWS / FUW NEWS
Reasons to increase tree and hedgerow cover in UK Agriculture
by Dr William Stiles, Farming Connect Knowledge Exchange H ub, IBERS, Aberystwyth University
WOODLAND patches, lone trees, and hedgerows are essential components of the agri‐ecosystem, yet this resource has declined in the UK in the twentieth century due to agricultural intensification, which has driven the creation of larger more simplified field systems. The re‐establishment of hedgerows and woodland patches on
farms remains an area for development yet has great potential to deliver multiple benefits in economic, ecological and environmental terms. As an example, the benefits derived from the availability of shelter
and shade can be huge for livestock. Extremes of heat and cold are a feature of the seasonal UK climate which can affect production. Shelter can increase lamb survival rates, by reducing the effect of wind chill and thus hypothermia, particularly in the early stages after birth, and can reduce feed requirements in the winter months as cold livestock will require greater feed inputs in order to keep warm.
“The provision of hedges and woodlands on farms can also increase the delivery of ecosystem services. This can happen directly, as hedges and woodland patches can increase carbon capture and sequestration and reduce the potential for flooding.”
In the summer months, heat stress can reduce milk yield in dairy
herds and can adversely affect numerous biological functions relating to production in both sheep and cows, including fertility.
Animal health may also be improved through reductions in
standing water, from increased infiltration rates associated with greater tree and hedgerow cover, as reductions in damp conditions in fields can reduce the incidence of lameness and liver fluke.
The provision of hedges and woodlands on farms can also increase
the delivery of ecosystem services. This can happen directly, as hedges and woodland patches can increase carbon capture and sequestration and reduce the potential for flooding, and indirectly, as they can increase the habitat resource availability for essential wildlife, including species that undertake pollination or act as natural controllers of pest species.
Hedgerow and tree resources increase habitat and forage
availability for these important wildlife groups. Improvements in the availability of habitat or food resources means larger populations of species throughout the food chain, as energy is transferred from the bottom up to higher trophic levels; or in simpler terms: more forage and habitat means more bugs, which means more birds (or other animals).
By planting trees and hedges farmers have an opportunity to
future‐proof landscapes against shifts in weather and climate, such as increased precipitation, expected with future environmental change, and by doing so can simultaneously reduce current environmental impacts of agricultural activities.
THE FUWhas responded positively to news that there are plans to bring full fibre broadband to an additional three million homes and businesses in some of the UK’s most isolated rural communities, but stresses it must really reach them.
The connection to 3 .2 million UK premises,
which was given the go‐ahead after an Ofcom consultation, is reported to be part of a £1 2 bn investment by Openreach to build full fibre infrastructure to 2 0 million premises throughout the UK by the end of this decade.
Places set to benefit include Aberystwyth in
westWales,Millom in Cumbria, Thurso in north‐east Scotland, and Ballycastle in County Antrim. Openreach is due to publish the full list of the 2 5 1 locations, referred to as Area 3 , where it will build the new network. Ofcom has estimated there are 9 .6 million homes and
NELSON EWE SALE
AT COED TOP HILL, GELLIGAER, CF46 6ER. 2,500 DRAFT EWES, YEARLINGS, & EWE LAMBS FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 12.00 NOON CATALOGUES ON REQUEST
NELSON RAM SALE AT COED TOP HILL, GELLIGAER. 250 South Wales Mountain Rams.
FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER 10.30 A.M. CATALOGUES ON REQUEST
SUPPLEMENTARY SALE AT COED TOP HILL GELLIGAER EWES, RAMS & LAMBS
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 11.30 P.M
GLYN DAVIES AUCTIONEER. TEL: 01443-839234, 07974-813394 E-mail:
jglyns@gmail.com
www.nelsonsheepsales.uk
Broadband funding welcomed, but it must reach rural communities “It is really good news that this extra
businesses situated in this final third of the UK.
Responding to the announcement, FUW
Ceredigion County ChairmanMorys Ioan said: “The last few months have served as a stark example of how vital connectivity is. Our own Union staff, many of whom live in rural areas, have been working from home and we have continued to assist members with digital paperwork for their farm businesses.Without an internet connection this would not have been possible.
funding is being directed at rural communities but we must make sure that it really does go to those premises who currently are not benefitting from full fibre broadband. The FUWhas stressed on many occasions that those without a connection cannot diversify their businesses, that they cannot support their children’s education and that they cannot connect readily with Government programmes for advice and support payments as they are mandated to do.”
ALED ELLIS
BEULAH SPECKLED FACE SHEEP
OFFICIAL SALES 2020 BUILTH WELLS
FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2,500 Registered* Non-Registered Ewes TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 350 Registered Rams
AUCTIONEERS - BUILTH MARKET AUCTIONEERS 01982 553228 LLANDOVERY
WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2,700 Registered & Non - Registered Ewes
WEDNESDAY 30th SEPTEMBER 80 Registered Rams & Ram Lambs AUCTIONEERS - CLEE TOMPKINSON & FRANCIS 01550 720440
CATALOGUES & DETAILS FROM THE SECRETARY H·Price, Builth Wells - 01982 553228
www.beulasheep.co.uk
SALE DATES 2020 LOVESGROVE, ABERYSTWYTH
SHEEP SALES (sheep to be penned by 10.30am -
start selling at 11am)
YOU CAN ALSO ENTER ON-LINE AT
www.aledellis.com/ click on AUCTIONS/ FACEBOOK
OR CONTACT THE OFFICE ON
01970 626160 or email
sales@aledellis.com
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