07 August 2025
A snapshot of woodland, hedgerow and biodiversity present on Welsh farms has revealed a mixed distribution of natural habitat, with some having a high percentage of their farmland covered in habitat while others have less.
This variability underscores the critical need for every farm to commission a baseline survey to establish a precise understanding of its own position.
Farming Connect surveyed 15 productive, working farms in its Our Farms network.
To help these farms develop their on-farm Natural Capital Assessments, a biodiversity baseline survey was conducted.
This found that 11 of the 15 farms had more than 10% natural habitat, with broadleaved woodland a significant contributor to this percentage.
Land covered by natural or semi-natural habitats on each farm as a proportion of its overall acreage ranged from 1.3% to 77.3%.
Farming Connect Biodiversity Specialist Lynfa Davies says the results show the variety of habitat types across farmland in Wales, but also the variation between farms.
“We cannot approach this as a ‘one size fits all’ and it is really important that farmers understand the situation across their own farm,’’ she says.
It’s important that farmers check the accuracy of their maps on Rural Payments Wales and seek advice if the farm falls below the 10% natural habitat qualifying level for the new Sustainable Farming Scheme, Lynfa advises.
Another survey investigated the woodland on those farms, a study which identified significant opportunities for improvement through strategic thinning, enrichment planting with native species, and controlling competing vegetation in what were all unmanaged areas.
The survey showed high potential for new woodland creation across most farms and the consequential benefits that would have for nature and for livestock shelter and shade provision, says Farming Connect Woodland Specialist Geraint Jones.
On average, woodland made up an average of 5% of the total acreage on the 15 farms - broadleaf tree species accounted for 92% of total woodland area and the remaining 8% were conifers.
Ash dieback was found to be widespread and all the woodlands were unmanaged.
Geraint says there are “clear, financially prudent’’ opportunities for active intervention, restoration, and new planting.
The survey did show, however, that the overall wider treescape was highly positive.
Hedgerow management was generally very good, resulting in a network of hedgerows that were above average condition.
Many of these are species-rich, robust, in good condition, and have high ecological value.
The double fencing that had taken place during agri-environment scheme restoration work had significantly contributed to the vibrant growth and robust structure of hedges.
Geraint says this demonstrated the positive impact of targeted interventions.
“The survey emphasises the urgent need for a renewed commitment to protecting and enhancing these natural assets, recognising the pivotal role farmers play in building resilient, biodiverse, and productive Welsh landscapes for future generations,” he adds.
A notable finding of the survey was the abundance of mature hedgerow trees and, to a lesser extent, mature in-field trees.
“These features are significant because they serve as vital ecological assets, offering crucial ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and soil stabilisation, while also enhancing biodiversity by providing essential habitats,’’ says Geraint.
“Their presence contributes significantly to the unique character and historical fabric of the landscape, underscoring their importance for conservation and sustainable land management.’’
One of the 15 farms involved in the surveys was Glyn Arthur Farms at Llandyrnog, Denbigh, where father and daughter, Peter Williams and Sarah Hammond, produce lamb from an extensive grazing system.
Sarah says it was reassuring to have confirmation of the high levels of biodiversity on the farm, shaped by generations of her family.
The farm has been involved in agri-environment schemes since the first, Tir Gofal, was introduced.
Its woodland had been established over centuries, more recently in the 1960s when Sarah’s grandfather planted trees.
“Farmers produce livestock and grow crops but mostly have a massive knowledge gap when it comes to woodland.
For farmers, guidance on where to access advice and support for managing woodland is crucial, she says.
Glyn Arthur have undertaken a Woodland management project which has taught them a lot about their woodlands and options for felling and selling timber.
“Since being involved in this Farming Connect project, we now know what the process is and hopefully that will be rolled out more generally through the Sustainable Farming Scheme.’’
Earlier this year Farming Connect published the findings of another survey which looked at the farmland bird populations on Our Farms network farms.
There were 49 different bird species identified across the farms, and an average of 29 species on each.
Eight – the house martin, house sparrow, spotted flycatcher, grey partridge, mistle thrush, tree pipit, meadow pipit, and cuckoo - are classified as farmland birds of conservation concern in the UK.
Their presence highlights the potential importance of farmland in providing valuable habitat and how this farmland plays a vital role in contributing to biodiversity across Wales. Further surveys have taken place during 2025 and Farming Connect will report on these during its series of ‘Our Farms’ walks in September.