Theme 4: Micro-diversity

Brown hare (www.lauriecampbell.com)Create variety at the small scale. In general, many small bits of habitat are better than a few big chunks. This applies to nearly all habitats, whether it is stubble or a pollen crop. Here are some ideas that will also support CFE:

  • Strips are better than square plots because they have more edge. Lots of animals live along the edges of habitats.
  • Create variety by management. A wide grass buffer strip (VM1), for example, is best if it is not treated uniformly. Part could be kept short by regular mowing - ideal for grazing animals like hares, which like to feed on short vegetation. Another part can be left to grow long and rank - perfect cover for field voles, field mice and leverets.
  • Options for wild bird seed mixtures (VM10) and pollen and nectar flower mixtures (VM7) require combinations of at least three species. But, do not just use one combination for these mixtures - use different ones designed for different purposes in different seasons.

Please refer to our pages on Countryside Stewardship for up-to-date information on the current agri-environment scheme in England.