It could be easy to disconnect our farming and food systems from a warming planet, but that would be to miss a trick. The way that farms are run can open up huge possibilities for carbon capture – and happily again, these are also great for nature!
With over 70% of the UK used for farming, there’s scope to make a big difference by moving to more sustainable and nature-friendly methods of farming. One of the ways farmers can do this is by integrating trees (yep, them again) within their farms. This is called agroforestry and has all kinds of benefits. The additional trees of course capture carbon themselves, as we’ve discussed, but they can also provide fodder for animals, shade and shelter from the elements and help to create corridors for wildlife to move across and through different landscapes.’With over 70% of the UK used for farming, there’s scope to make a big difference by moving to more sustainable and nature-friendly methods of farming.’
Farming in this way can also improve the health of the soil – another element of the countryside that we might barely notice but which, when healthy, can actually lock in carbon (and of course make for the best possible crops, destined for our tummies). And, better yet, it can actually be more productive and more sustainable than the big monoculture farms, meaning we can produce more of our food on less land.
We’re big fans of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, who bring together farmers wanting to work sustainably and in ways that support nature. It all adds up to mean that farming becomes an active part of solving climate change. We’re in awe of the farmers making these changes!
FRIENDS OF SOUTH HAMS
This Web site is for those who love the South Hams “The jewel in the crown of Devon” and who wish to protect and enhance the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Friends of South Hams 