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/