There are a number of simple steps farmers can take to enhance biodiversity on their farm without making any drastic or costly changes, according to research from Teagasc.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, at the 'Farming for a Better Future' open day at Teagasc Johnstown Castle on 10 June, project manager Meritxell Grau went through some easy wins for farmers to encourage biodiversity.

Despite the many benefits of biodiversity, it continues to decline and will have far-reaching consequences for future generations, according to Teagasc.

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Farmland has the ability to make a significant difference in halting biodiversity loss.

The key message from Teagasc’s farmland biodiversity research is to, maintain first, enhance second and create if not already in existence.

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It outlined six simple ways to improve biodiversity on the farm:

  • Allow hedgerows to flower: reducing the frequency and intensity of hedge-cutting allows more flowers and berries to be produced, which provides food for pollinators and birds.
  • Create nesting sites for solitary bees: Ireland has more solitary bees than bumblebees. Nesting sites for bees can be made by drilling some holes in a piece of wood on the farm. Nesting sites can also be found in bare soil, often where cattle scratch.
  • Identify and protect species-rich grassland: grassland with a number of different plant and flower species present is beneficial for pollinators. Different pollinators have different traits, therefore supporting a wide range of species of pollinators can contribute to increased pollination and pest control, which in turn increases crop seed yield and economic value.
  • Plant native trees: it’s an easy way to promote the long-term heritage of the land. If invasive alien species are present, aim to remove them – as they can displace native species.
  • Dig a wildlife pond: it is recommended to locate ghost ponds which are ponds that have disappeared over time due to land management. Farmers are encouraged to place them back in the land as a beneficial habitat for animals, birds and insects.
  • Avoid using herbicides or fertilisers under hedgerows: many pollinators, insects and diverse plants and flowers are present in hedgerows, therefore spraying these chemicals can destroy them.

    • FarmBioNet project

    "All of these practices we have also come across through our project, FarmBioNet," Grau explained.

    The project aims to help farmers assess their farm’s biodiversity and implement low-cost, practical actions to enhance biodiversity without negatively impacting production.

    "It is an EU-funded project, running for three years and what we're trying to do is promote knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer across farmers and other stakeholders within Ireland, but also at the European stage.

    "So we're just bringing all of them together to try and discuss what practices they're implementing and how they are seeing how they are benefiting their farm," she said.