Monitoring Arable Weeds at Newton Farm

Abstract

In contrast to most of the case studies in the book, this chapter describes a project designed to monitor the arable weed flora on a farm in the wider countryside, as opposed to within a protected area. The primary aim was to develop an efficient method for monitoring the effects of the management prescriptions on the conservation value of arable farms in agri-environment schemes, instead of simply monitoring compliance with management prescriptions. Although very few arable farms are designated for nature conservation, arable habitats cover large areas of land in Europe and are important for a wide range of animals and plants, many of which are in steep decline. Therefore, the need for efficient and effective monitoring in these cultural habitats is just as great as for semi-natural habitats protected in nature reserves.