Protecting farming systems of high nature value

The European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism, with partners, identified some years ago the need for information on where farming systems of high nature value still exist. Work undertaken to fulfil this included the initial identification and typology of low-intensity farming systems in nine European countries (Beaufoy et al. 1994; Bignal et al. 1994; Bignal 1998). A summary map of areas in which such systems still occur and an outline of the typology were produced as a poster/booklet in several languages. The Forum plans to develop this typology to link more closely agricultural systems, their ecological processes and wildlife value, as well as extending its geographical coverage.