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Plantlife’s Work in Farming

Plantlife has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, working directly with farmers, calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices and producing guidance.

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Meet our Agricultural Advisor

Our Policy Work

Sustainable Farming Needs Government Support, Report Reveals


Semi-natural grasslands need to be prioritised, valued and resourced.

As governments continue to undervalue grasslands, we are calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices.

Cattle at Deep Dale

A Big Win for Grassland, But Farmers Need More


Our experts have been delving into the details and shared their thoughts on DEFRA’s latest funding changes for farmers.

Grass with yellow rattle flowers and pink flowers

The Grassland Gap


The majority of our ancient wildlife-rich grasslands have been destroyed and they are now among the UK’s rarest habitats – with losses continuing today. Over-fertilised and monoculture fields now dominate our landscape, providing few benefits for nature, people or our climate.

Our Reports

  • Farming Income for Semi-Natural Grasslands

    Grasslands account for just over 70% of the UK’s utilised agricultural area, and with appropriate management, semi-natural grasslands can support sustainable food production, as well as provide
    ecosystem services and wider societal benefits (i.e. ‘public goods’), such as mitigating pollution and flooding events, and storing carbon in their soils. Yet farmers still need to be able to make a living in
    managing their land for environmental outcomes and public goods.

    Read the report here.

  • Review of Trends in Grasslands Across the UK

    It is widely accepted that there has been a large decline in the extent of species-rich grasslands across the UK since the
    1930s. However, there have been limited studies exploring the recent overall trends in their extent. This report
    was commissioned to review the existing evidence and data on the trends and extent of species-rich and semi-natural
    grasslands, broken down by UK nation where possible.

    Read the report here.

  • Valuing the Vital: Grassland Ecosystem Services in the UK

    This report offers a review of existing literature and evidence on the numerous advantages associated with species-rich grasslands.

    Read the report here.

Management Guides and Resources

Poppies and corncockle at Ranscombe Farm Reserve

Managing Arable Farm Land


Arable farmland has the power to create a positive impact for biodiversity, as well as food production.
Many wildflowers thrive in areas of soil that are regularly disturbed by farmers growing crops. Careful and regular management is required to ensure these crucial areas of nature can thrive.

A bright orange waxcap mushroom on green grass with a blue sky

Fungi and Farming: A Waxcap Journey on a Welsh Farm


It’s waxcap season in the Upper Ystwyth and Plantlife’s Sheena Duller explains why fungi and farming can go so well together.

Wildflower meadow bursting with yellow dandelions and rolling hills in the background

Managing Meadows


Wildflower meadows are often a defining feature of the summer, but when managed properly they can also be a vital habitat for wildlife and nature recovery.

Take a look through our guidance on managing meadows, the equipment needed, which seeds to choose and much much more.

Read a Case Study

Work on a Welsh Farm with Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants

Through our Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants we worked with a landowner to help realise their vision of a nature rich, multi-functional landscape on this 120ha hill farm in mid-Wales, whilst remaining true to the traditions of Welsh hill farming.

Our recommendations enabled the landowner to achieve their vision for the estate by allowing nature to recover, without compromising the farming which had taken place over generations. We are now working long term with this estate providing ongoing support and advice.

You can read more about our work here.

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No Mow May: Can your Garden be a Carbon Store?  
A close up look out across a lawn from amongst the grasses. The grass has dew drops on each blade. Hedges can be seen in the background and a small peak at a clear blue sky.

No Mow May: Can your Garden be a Carbon Store?  

It’s not just trees that capture and store carbon – our meadows and grasslands can play an important role too.

COP28: Success for Farming, Food and Biodiversity
Inside COP28

COP28: Success for Farming, Food and Biodiversity

As COP28 draws to a close, it's not just about fossil fuels. We will keep showing that wild plants and fungi need to be central to the climate solution.

COP28: Why Food and Farming Matters
Small square hay bailer in field

COP28: Why Food and Farming Matters

One of the most important discussions at COP28 is about – food and agriculture. Find out why they are so important for global governments.