Farmland In England Research Articles

Two centuries of farmland prices in England

The dissemination of robust asset price data can help improve market efficiency, resource allocation and investment analysis. Land prices influence housing affordability, food security and the carbon infrastructure. Yet price and return histories for farmland in England are fragmented. To provide perspective, a long farmland price series is needed to improve transparency and bring the asset class into line with commercial and residential real estate. After reviewing the historical backdrop and considering methodology, this research uses a chain-linking approach to construct a long-term farmland price series for England. It then adjusts the series for inflation to examine real land prices. The resulting two-century English farmland prices series contributes to farmland market analysis. Notwithstanding some concerns with long-run chain component heterogeneity, the combined series helps us to understand English average farmland price dynamics. As measured by the geometric mean, English land price real capital returns have been positive over more than two centuries. Farmland real price growth was 0.33 per cent annually from 1781 to 2013 and 0.71 per cent from 1801 to 2013. The series contributes to an understanding of land price dynamics.

Two Centuries of Farmland Prices in England

The dissemination of robust real estate data can help to improve market efficiency and investment analysis. To provide a perspective on property prices, a long series is vital. While long commercial and residential real estate data series are available, agricultural land is less well served. Comparable series describing long-term price and return histories for farmland in England are fragmented. We redress this data deficiency after considering the methodological complexities involved. The study employs a chain-linking approach to construct a long-term farmland price series for England. It then adjusts the series for inflation to examine real land prices. The resulting two-century series of English farmland prices establishes a basis for a more efficient farmland market analysis.Notwithstanding issues around long-run chain component heterogeneity, the combined series illuminates English average farmland price dynamics and changing land market fortunes. For more than two centuries English land price real capital returns were positive. Farmland real price growth was 0.33 per cent annually from 1781 to 2013 and 0.71 per cent from 1801 to 2013 as measured by the geometric mean. The series provides prima facie support for land investment, even when ignoring spatial peri-urban opportunities, rental income or tax advantages.

Which features of UK farmland are important in retaining territories of the rapidly declining Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur?

Capsule Turtle Doves continue to show a strong population decline; territories were more likely to be retained in areas with more nesting habitat, and more suitable foraging habitat. Aim To determine which features of farmland in England are important for retaining Turtle Dove territories Methods Fifty-eight grid squares with recent records of territorial Turtle Doves were resurveyed, and squares retaining Turtle Dove territories compared with those from which Turtle Doves had been lost. Results Turtle Dove territories were detected in 48% of squares resurveyed. When correcting for the 70% detection rate of the survey methodology, territories were present in 66% of squares surveyed suggesting a 34% decline over a 2-year period. Established scrub and hedgerows > 4 m tall positively influenced Turtle Dove presence and abundance, as did standing water. Bare ground and fallow had positive effects on Turtle Dove abundance whereas grazed land negatively impacted abundance. Conclusion The positive effects of area of established scrub and volume of large hedgerows are likely to represent a declining density of birds selecting the best quality nest sites. We suggest instead that foraging habitat may be limiting distribution.

Wildlife-friendly farming benefits rare birds, bees and plants

Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, especially for threatened and near-threatened species. One widely implemented response is 'wildlife-friendly farming', involving the close integration of conservation and extensive farming practices within agricultural landscapes. However, the putative benefits from this controversial policy are currently either unknown or thought unlikely to extend to rare and declining species. Here, we show that new, evidence-based approaches to habitat creation on intensively managed farmland in England can achieve large increases in plant, bee and bird species. In particular, we found that habitat enhancement methods designed to provide the requirements of sensitive target biota consistently increased the richness and abundance of both rare and common species, with 10-fold to greater than 100-fold more rare species per sample area than generalized conventional conservation measures. Furthermore, targeting landscapes of high species richness amplified beneficial effects on the least mobile taxa: plants and bees. Our results provide the first unequivocal support for a national wildlife-friendly farming policy and suggest that this approach should be implemented much more extensively to address global biodiversity loss. However, to be effective, these conservation measures must be evidence-based, and developed using sound knowledge of the ecological requirements of key species.

Foraging habitat selection by breeding Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus on lowland farmland in England

Capsule Breeding Common Kestrels prefer to forage over recently cut grass than all other habitat types on farmland. Aims To identify foraging habitat and prey of Common Kestrels during the breeding season. Methods We observed seven pairs of Common Kestrels during the breeding season over three years, using fixed vantage point observations. We recorded foraging attempts, and habitat and prey data for where the birds chose to forage. Compositional Analysis was used to establish use of each habitat category relative to that habitat’s availability within the Kestrels’ observed foraging ranges. Results We found that Kestrels select habitats non-randomly, with cut grass (le;5cm, all cut less than two weeks previously) being the most used relative to availability. Prey taken varied with grass height: the ratio of mammals to invertebrates was greater on cut grass (4.36 mammals: 1 invertebrate) than on longer, uncut grass swards (1.73 mammals: 1 invertebrate). Conclusion Our results highlight the importance of areas of long and short grass in close juxtaposition, to provide conditions suitable for prey and access to them, respectively. The creation and maintenance of such small-scale habitat heterogeneity will be the key to maximizing the benefits of English agri-environment schemes for Common Kestrels.

The consequences of predator control for brown hares (Lepus europaeus) on UK farmland

The brown hare Lepus europaeus is a valued game species but also a species of conservation concern owing to its severe decline in abundance on farmland throughout Europe during the twentieth century. Changes in the farmland habitat and predation have both been cited as causative factors. Their relative roles have been unclear, but most conservation action has focused on improving habitat. We analyse data from a sequence of three unique studies (one experiment and two demonstrations) covering the period 1985–2006 in which control of several common predator species was undertaken to increase densities of wild game on farmland in England. Across the three studies, regression modelling of the proportional change in hare numbers between successive years showed that—after site, year differences and harvesting were accounted for—predator control was a significant determinant of hare population change. Where habitat improvement also took place, hares reached autumn densities that were exceptional for the UK and which could sustain substantial harvests. When predation control was stopped, hare densities fell, even where habitat improvements remained in place. This analysis demonstrates that even where farmland habitat is greatly improved, uncontrolled predation prevents hares making full use of its carrying capacity. This helps explain the mixed—and at best modest—success of agri-environment schemes in the UK and elsewhere in Europe to increase hare densities. Game-shooting estates, on which effective predator control takes place, probably have a special significance within the landscape as source areas for brown hares.

Impacts of birds of prey on gamebirds in the UK: a review

The influence of predators on the distribution, density and dynamics of their prey species has long been of interest to ecologists and wildlife managers. Where the prey population is also utilized by humans, conflicts may arise through competition for a limited resource. Because gamebird shooting in the UK provides employment, recreation and income, the impact of birds of prey on gamebird populations has been the subject of intense debate for many years. Various approaches have been used to assess the impacts that raptors have on gamebird populations. Here we review the applicability and limitations of the methods used and assess the scientific evidence for population‐level and economic impacts of raptors on gamebird populations in the UK. Raptors may, in some situations, take large numbers of gamebirds and may be an important proximate cause of mortality, although few studies have addressed the impacts of raptors on either breeding or pre‐shooting densities. Two exceptions are studies of Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus predation on Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus on moorland in Scotland and Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus predation on Grey Partridge Perdix perdix on farmland in England. Both these studies suggested that raptors could have population‐level impacts when their gamebird prey was already at low density. Studies on predation of captively bred gamebirds suggest that numbers taken by raptors at release pens vary considerably and in a few cases raptors have been documented killing relatively large numbers. On the whole, however, it appears that raptors account for a relatively small proportion of mortality among released birds and the impact on subsequent shooting bags is unknown. We summarize important gaps in current knowledge and recommend specific areas for future research.

A hedonic analysis of agricultural land prices in England and Wales

With the hedonic approach, farmland price differentials are held to be indicative of underlying productivity differences. Data characterising over 400 separate transactions in farmland in England and Wales in 1994 are analysed, and the marginal value of particular farmland characteristics is computed. The analysis indicates that climate, soil quality and elevation are all important characteristics, in addition to the structural attributes of farmland. It is found that landowners are unable to costlessly 'repackage' their land and that regulated tenancies halve farm values. Some doubt is cast on the accuracy of professional valuations performed by land agents.

Changes in the abundance of farmland birds in relation to the timing of agricultural intensification in England and Wales

1. Over the past three decades changes in agricultural management have resulted in increased crop and grass production. This intensification has been accompanied by population declines among farmland bird species and a decline in farmland biodiversity. We have analysed trends in agricultural management in order to quantify the degree of intensification, and have considered how they match change in the farmland bird community. 2. Changes in agriculture through time (1962–95) were examined quantitatively for 31 variables representing crop areas, livestock numbers, fertilizer application, grass production and pesticide use. The majority were highly intercorrelated because factors facilitating intensification simultaneously affected many management activities. 3. Change in agriculture was measured using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The period 1970–88 saw most intensification, characterized by increases in the area of oilseed rape, autumn‐sown cereals, and the use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. Spring‐sown cereals, bare fallow and root crops declined. 4. Indices of relative population change between 1962 and 1996 were determined for 29 bird species using data from Common Birds Census (CBC) plots on farmland in England and Wales. Principal components analysis (PCA) described a gradient from species that had declined most to those that had increased. 5. The ordinations of agricultural change and bird population change were broadly matching but with a time lag in the response of birds. The most accurately measured agricultural variables for the period 1974–91 matched the changes in farmland birds more closely. 6. We conclude that large shifts in agricultural management are a plausible explanation for the declines in farmland bird populations. We propose a threshold model relating to critical amounts of high‐quality habitat or food resources that may be relevant in explaining the lag in response of birds, and propose it should be taken into account in predicting the effects of future agri‐environment schemes. Identifying individual factors responsible for bird declines is not possible without detailed experimental work because many components of intensification are interdependent. Birds may be responding to a suite of interacting factors rather individual aspects of farm management. Holistic conservation strategy that encourages general extensification of farming practices will be most likely to benefit farmland bird communities.

Densities and population estimates of breeding Skylarks Alauda arvensis in Britain in 1997

We present the results of a national survey of breeding Skylarks Alauda arvensis in Britain in 1997 carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Numbers of Skylarks and land-use types were recorded by volunteers in 608 1-km squares, selected using random stratification based on the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology's (ITE) Landscape Classification to avoid over- or under-sampling particular habitat types. The results suggest a maximum national population of around 1000 000 pairs. This agrees extremely well with the national population estimate of around 1046 000 pairs derived from the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) of the BTO/Joint Nature Conservation Committee/Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and provides further evidence for the robustness of the BBS as a national monitoring scheme for common and widespread species. The figure is approximately half that of the most recent published estimate of 2000 000 in 1988–91. However, the scale of this discrepancy is likely to reflect a bias in Atlas field methodology and site selection since there has been a real decline of approximately 9% since 1990. Arable squares supported the highest densities of Skylarks; 4.6–6.0 pairs per km2, and 46–49% of the British breeding population was associated with arable areas. Marginal upland and upland areas supported lower densities but still accounted for approximately 34% of the estimated national breeding population. Differences in density at broad habitat scales were reflected in geographical differences across Britain, with southern and eastern arable regions supporting much higher densities than western and northern ones. At a finer scale, Skylarks occurred at highest densities on, and showed highest habitat preferences for, set-aside and various types of ungrazed grassland. Winter cereal, improved grassland and set-aside held the highest proportion of the Skylark population on farmland in England and Wales; grazed pasture, winter cereals and spring cereals held the highest proportion in Scotland.

Constraints on farm woodland planting in England: a study of Nottinghamshire farmers

Summary A recent change in British agricultural and forestry policy has been the shift towards the encouragement of substantial planting of new woodland on farmland in England. Previous studies of farm woodland planting are reviewed. A study of the attitudes of 30 farmers on the Bunter Sandstone in western Nottinghamshire to the establishment of new farm woodland is assessed. It is concluded that new policy instruments such as special farm woodland planting grants and the establishment of Community Forests and special regional forestry initiatives have not yet brought about any significant change in the general opposition of farmers to the conversion of agricultural land to woodland.

The foods and feeding rates of Montagu's HarriersCircus pygargusbreeding in arable farmland

Foods brought to the nest by Montagu's Harriers breeding within an area of intensive arable farmland in England are described. About 50% of prey identified from pellets and prey remains was small birds (< 50 g), which, together with gamechicks and small mammals, made up 70–90% of the diet. At one nest, twothirds of small bird prey were juveniles or nestlings. Live prey weight varied between 6-300 g, with an estimated mean of 36–51 g, about 14–18 and 10–13% of male and female harrier weights, respectively. A male harrier ate (or discarded) about 10% of the prey before delivery, about 9% of his own body weight. The frequency of prey deliveries varied after hatching within and between males, and was linked to brood size. There was no uniform pattern to daily delivery times.

The Underdraining of Farmland in England during the Nineteenth Century

The Underdraining of Farmland in England during the Nineteenth Century

Reviews and Short Notices: Late Modern

HistoryVolume 76, Issue 246 p. 138-182 Reviews and Short Notices: Late Modern First published: February 1991 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-229X.1991.tb01538.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Voters, Patrons, and Parties: The Unreformed Electoral System of Hanoverian England, 1734–1832. By Frank O'Gorman. The French Revolution and the Creation of Modern Political Culture, Volume 1: The Political Culture of the Old Regime. Edited by Keith M. Baker. Volume 2: The Political Culture of the French Revolution. 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The Underdraining of Farmland in England during the Nineteenth Century

The Underdraining of Farmland in England during the Nineteenth Century

Reviews

Gervase Rosser, Medieval Westminster, 1200‐1540Michael Aston, David Austin, and Christopher Dyer, eds., The rural settlements of medieval EnglandMark Bailey, A marginal economy?Peter Earle, The making of the English middle classChristine MacLeod, Inventing the industrial revolutionC.W. Chalklin and J.R. Wordie, eds., Town and countrysideG.E. Mingay, ed., The agrarian history of England and Wales, vi, 1750‐1850R.A. Buchanan, The engineersCharles More, The industrial ageT.M. Devine and Rosalind Mitchison, eds., People and society in Scotland, I, 7760‐1830Anne Digby, British welfare policyPatrick Brantlinger, ed., Energy and entropyJohn Benson, The working class in Britain, 1850‐1939Patricia Hollis, Ladies electA.M. McBriar, An Edwardian mixed doubles. The Bosanquets versus the WebbsA.D.M. Phillips, The underdrawing of farmland in England during the nineteenth centuryCharles F. Harvey and Jon Press, eds., Studies in the business history of BristolS. Fisher, ed., Innovations in shipping and tradeLaurie Dennett, Slaughter and MayPenny Summerfield, Women workers in the Second World WarDavid Thorns, War, industry and societyAlec Cairncross, ed., The Robert Hall diaries, 1947‐1953Henry Pelling, Britain and the Marshall PlanJohn Walter and Roger SchofieldJonathan I. Israel, Dutch primacy in world trade, 1585‐1740Herbert Kisch, From domestic nwnufacture to industrial revolutionRichard Lawton, ed., The rise and fall of great citiesIan Blanchard, Russia's age of silverOrlando Figes, Peasant Russia, civil warWilliam M. Mathew, Edmund Ruffin and the crisis of slavery in the old southHarvey A. Levenstein, Revolution at the tableMira Wilkins, The history of foreign investment in the United States to 1914Gary Gerstle, Working‐class AmericanismErick D. Langer, Economic change and rural resistance in southern Bolivia, 1880‐1930Colin Newbury, The diamond ringT. Dyson, ed., India's historical demography

The Underdraining of Farmland in England during the Nineteenth Century.

1. Debates about underdraining 2. The need for underdraining in the nineteenth century 3. The intensity and location of underdraining, 1845-1899 4. The temporal pattern of underdraining in the nineteenth century 5. Capital provision and the management of the improvement 6. The success of underdraining as an agricultural improvement 7. Findings about underdraining.

The underdraining of farmland in England during the nineteenth century

The underdraining of farmland in England during the nineteenth century

Pesticide use on cereal crops and changes in the abundance of butterflies on arable farmland in England

A survey of butterfly numbers on two plots of arable farmland in southern England in 1984 was carried out using the transect method of Pollard et al. (1975). On one plot the field edges were left unsprayed with pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) from 1 January and on the other all fields were fully sprayed in accordance with normal farming practice. Sprayed and unsprayed transect sections were paired up according to adjacent field boundary habitat type. A total of 868 butterflies were recorded on the unsprayed plot compared to 297 on the sprayed plot. Of the 17 species recorded on more than one survey section, 13 were significantly more abundant on the unsprayed treatment. Butterfly species whose larval host plants occurred in unsprayed field edges showed slightly larger differences in number between treatments than species less able to breed in weedy cereal crops. The results suggest that pesticide use on cereal crops may reduce butterfly numbers and that arable farmland is a habitat in need of further study for butterfly conservation.

Changes in the Use and Management of Farmland in England and Wales, 1915-19

The objectives of British farming changed during 1915-18 as the government and public became convinced of the need to produce more home-grown food in order to offset a decline in imports. For the first time, the government sought to intervene in the use and management of individual farms and fields, and it used both persuasion and compulsory powers to secure improvements in land husbandry and the ploughing up of grasslands for cultivation. Sixty-one county committees were set up in England and Wales to act as intermediaries between the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the farming community. This paper is largely based on the information derived from the documentation of the committees during the period I915-19. They acted as information centres and undertook surveys of land use and management: they invoked compulsory powers and helped to provide the necessary labour, horses, machines, implements and supplies. As a result of this food production campaign, the output of home-grown food in I9I8 was 24 per cent higher than that during the period 1909-13. THE area of wheat in England and Wales declined from about 1421 100 ha in I874 to 762600 ha in 1894. Although there were periods of slight recovery, the first marked improvement occurred in the first world war, when the wheat area rose to I 035 600 ha in 1918. The area of tillage land also increased from 3468000 ha in 1914 to 4I56500 ha in 1918 (Table I).1 These