| Arable
Land 
Arable
land is that which is cultivated for agricultural or horticultural production.
It also includes fields that are fallow (rested for one or more seasons without
any crops) and boundary features such as hedgerows, ditches and drystone walls. The
type of crop and its method of cultivation dictate the types of wildlife that
can be found. The use of pesticides and fertilizers reduce the biodiversity of
arable land and limiting their use can improve the habitat significantly. Traditional
low intensity farming produces the best wildlife habitat, on arable land. The
recent change in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has produced a system where
farmers are paid subsidies to encourage more environmentally friendly use of the
land, including the addition of features to attract wildlife. Species
that can be found on arable land include:
 | Birds
-
Skylark, Corn bunting, Tree Sparrow, Grey partridge, Twite, Reed bunting, Song
thrush, Pink-footed goose, Turtle dove, Yellow wagtail, Barn owl, Bewick swan
and Whooper swan. | | Mammals
-
Brown hare and Water vole. | | Amphibians
-
Great crested newt. | | Vascular
plants
-
Purple ramping-fumitory, Tall ramping-fumitory, Corn marigold, Field woundwort,
Field pansy, Wild pansy and Large-flowered hemp-nettle. | For
further information go to: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/index.htm |
| Urban
Habitats Many
species of wildlife have found homes in our towns and cities. A huge range of
plants and animals can be supported in built up areas and if managed correctly,
urban habitats are just as valuable as those found in the countryside. Wildlife
can be found in a variety of urban places, including:
| Amenity
grassland and sports fields | | Churchyards
and cemeteries | | Road
verges, railways and canal banks | | School
grounds | | Formal
parks | | Private
gardens | Wildlife
is adaptable and can find a home in some unusual places. For
further information go to: www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/habitats/urban/ |
