Arable land

There is very little arable land in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, occurring mainly in the lower parts of Wensleydale.  The area is however increasing with the main crop being fodder maize. Arable land is of low biodiversity value.

Habitat Statement

Conservation Objectives

• To protect important wildlife habitats from conversion to arable land.

• To investigate whether a small increase in arable crops on land of low nature conservation importance would be beneficial to wildlife (particularly birds).

Conservation Measures

• Protect important wildlife habitats from conversion to arable land by ensuring that agricultural support systems take these into account.

• Research the benefits to wildlife of a limited increase in the area of arable land in the Yorkshire Dales National park.

• Where arable crops are grown provide advice and incentives to encourage farmers to carry out sustainable (preferably organic) farming methods.

• Support schemes that assist farmers and landowners to develop higher value markets for less-intensively produced premium products.