Investigation of Ireland’s farm biodiversity baseline begins

Habitat surveys will be carried out on about 8,000 farms, in a pilot scheme first phase of a comprehensive analysis of farm habitats and biodiversity, which will eventually provide a baseline on which to base future targeting of agri-environmental schemes and measures. The pilot stage of the Farm Environmental Study (FES) will focus on developing methodologies and up-skilling of farmers and advisors. For participating farmers, it will provide an inventory of habitats, biodiversity, and environmental information about their farms.