By managing hedgerows, leaving stubble fields over the winter and growing winter feeding crops for birds, he has achieved a 100% increase in the endangered yellowhammer bird population on his farm over the last 10 years.
Nelson's mixed arable farm has also been participating in the RSPB-led EFS Farmland Birds Group and now also has a breeding pair of long-eared owls as a result of his participation in the scheme.'If we all do a little it makes a big difference'
Minister Poots said: “The Nelson’s farm demonstrates just what can be achieved by doing the right things in the right places to help biodiversity. “As Minister for both Agriculture and Environment, I am delighted to have been able to support the work being carried out here through our agri-environment schemes with outstanding results and I commend the Nelsons for their efforts. “I’m delighted to announce that the fifth application for the Environmental Farming Scheme opens today and farmers can choose from a range of options to create environmental benefit on their own farms. "There is a range of arable options to choose from which are designed to enhance the biodiversity value of your farm with minimal impact on your cropping rotations or management.If we all do a little to support nature on our farms it will make a big difference.”Welcoming today’s visit by the Minister, Nelson said: “Farming is still very much the priority with us, but the family and I get great satisfaction from the wildlife we have on the farm and we like to give it a helping hand.”
