Know your natural habitat data, Welsh farmers urged

Farmers in Wales have been urged to understand their on-farm natural habitat data after a snapshot of woodland, hedgerow and biodiversity survey revealed a mixed distribution, according to Farming Connect.

This variability, Farming Connect says, emphasises the critical need for every farm to commission a baseline survey to establish a precise understanding of its own position.

Fifteen of its network farms participated in the biodiversity baseline survey to develop their on-farm Natural Capital Assessments.

See also: 16 Welsh farms paid for novel on-farm research

Eleven out of the 15 farms had more than 10% natural habitat and land covered by natural or semi-natural habitats on each farm as a proportion of its overall acreage ranged from 1.3% to 77.3%.

Woodland made up an average of 5% of the total acreage and broadleaf tree varieties accounted for 92% of total woodland area and 8% were conifers.

Hedgerow management was found to be generally very good, resulting in a network of hedgerows that were above-average condition.

Many of these were found to be species-rich, robust, and having high ecological value.

The double fencing that had taken place during agri-environment scheme restoration work had also significantly contributed to the vibrant growth and robust structure of hedges.

Variety across farms

Farming Connect biodiversity specialist Lynfa Davies said the results showed the variety of habitat types across farmland in Wales and also between farms.

“We cannot approach this as a ‘one size fits all’ and it is important that farmers understand the situation across their own farm,’’ she said.

Farmers are therefore advised to check the accuracy of their maps on Rural Payments Wales (RPW) and seek advice if the farm falls below the 10% natural habitat qualifying level for the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

Voluntary data confirmation

A spokesperson for NFU Cymru also encouraged farmers to review areas of habitat and woodland on their farm through the SFS Data Confirmation Exercise, which is open until 31 October.

The exercise is voluntary but allows farming businesses to review and check that the information RPW currently has through its mapping systems is correct.

“Completing the form is not a commitment to claim the SFS in 2026 and there will be a further opportunity to check and amend this information on the 2026 Single Application Form,” the spokesperson added.