Farming with the environment to improve habitats for wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals is more important than ever before for British farmers.

Farmers seeking advice on how to improve farmland habitats for wildlife should make a date with Flora locale workshops.

Field edge strips sown with wild flowers and grasses provide essential habitats for invertebrates, birds and mammals.

Grasses can be useful to prevent soil erosion and diffuse water-course pollution after heavy rain.

Flora locale, the charity that promotes the restoration of wild plants for biodiversity, landscapes and people is working with the Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and the Small Woods Association to provide 27 one-day events across Britain – many of them ideal for farmers and land managers.

Topics this year include:

  • Grassland restoration and management under Higher Level Stewardship
  • Restoration of the Culm Measures in Devon
  • Restoring and managing old orchards
  • Pond creation and management
  • Woodland flora in new and established woods
  • Managing ancient trees

“Farmers joining the Campaign for the Farmed Environment or considering the Entry Level Stewardship or Higher Level Stewardship schemes will find these workshops very helpful,” says Sue Clarke, Flora locale training programme developer.

“Experienced practitioners lead all the events and they’re held on site, so that people get a good idea of what works and what doesn’t. Last year more than 300 people attended the workshops – which is testament to the expert facilitators and range of topics covered.”

Farmers wishing to book on these workshops or other Flora locale events should go to www.floralocale.org and click on Training and Events or email info@floralocale.org.

Flora locale provides free advisory notes on creating wild flower meadows, collecting seed and buying native flora to download from the Knowledge Zone on www.floralocale.org. Their suppliers list is a vital resource when putting into practice the knowledge and skills gained from attending the workshops and events.