FARMING AND BIRDS IN EUROPE: THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR BIRD CONSERVATION. By Deborah J. Pain and Michael Pienkowski (Editors).

1997 1st edition. 8vo (155 x 234mm). Ppxvi,436. B/w photographs and illustrations. Pictorial laminated boards, issued without a dust-wrapper.

"Farming is the single largest land-use in Europe. It accounted for nearly one-half of the total land area of the European Union and is consequently home to many common and widespread birds, as well as those adapted to particular agricultural landscapes. However, until relatively recently, the conservation importance of farmlands went unrecognized. Furthermore, much of the special value of farmlands has been lost or degraded as a result of the unprecedented rate of development of new and aggressive land management techniques. Many of the species of farmland birds are now in sharp decline, or threatened with total extinction, as a result of the sorts of agricultural intensification encouraged by the Common Agricultural Policy. Across the EU, wherever traditional low-intensity farming systems remain, nature conservation value also persists, although under increasing threat. Where intensification has been rapid much value has already been lost and wildlife of all kinds have suffered. Grassland conservation to crops, drainage and irrigation, chemical aplications, new crops and crop pattern changes, loss of marginal habitats and changes in stocking rates have all played their part. In addition, the concentration on areas of high production potential has often lead to the abandonment of less productive land where traditional low-intensity management was beneficial to wildlife. This book highlights all aspects of the problems associated with farming and bird conservation. Discussion ranges from the socio-political pressures on farm policy to the effects of management on a variety of bird species throughout the more and less developed parts of the European Union. Potential changes in the Common Agricultural Policy are considerd in terms of how they have been and can be tailored to benefit birds and wildlife through such initiatives as the new Agri-Environment Regulation. The text addresses the need for policy efforts to focus on both the concerns of conservation and sensible farm management. It stresses the importance in seeing that a conclusion is reached, both for the needs of the farmer and consumer and for the birds and wildlife of the European countryside." Chapters include:- Why farming and birds in Europe? by Deborah J. Pain and James Dixon; Europe's changing farmed landscapes by Clive Potter; The evolution of the Common Agricultural Policy and the incorporation of environmental considerations by Nigel Robson; Priorities for bird conservation in Europe - the importance of the farmed landscape by Graham Tucker; Extensive grazing and raptors in Spain by Jose A. Donazar, Miguel A. Naveso, Jose Lr. Tella and David Campion; Cereal farming, pesticides and grey partridges by Dick Potts; The Spanish dehesas - a diversity in land-use and wildlife by Mario Diaz, Pablo Campos and Fernando J. Pulido; Rice farming and waterbirds - integrated management in an artificial landscape by Mauro Fasola and Xavier Ruiz; Shrikes and the farmed landscape in France by Norbert Lefranc; Birds and wet grasslands by Albert J. Beintema, Euan Dunn and David A. Stroud; Farming in the drylands of Spain - birds of the pseudosteppes by Francisco Suarez, Miguel A. Naveso and Eduardo De Juana; The importance of mixed farming for seed-eating birds in the UK by Andy Evans; Conclusions - a future for farming and birds? by Deborah J. Pain and Michael W. Pienkowski; European agriculture - threats and opportunities by James Dixon.