Pembrokeshire occupant beef farmer, Tony Cadogan, who keeps a herd of 50 Hereford suckler cows plus fans on his seaside farm near Kilgetty, has actually opened evictions to his farm to host a details session with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Wales and the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), on what farmers can do to help the bird population on their farms flourish ahead of the Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) fortnight (Friday 3 February – Sunday 19 February 2023).
Farming 132 hectares which he handles as 56.5 hectares of arable and 53 hectares of turf together with grazed saltmarsh and forest, the land is divided over 3 blocks, with the 2 primary blocks being signed up as natural, which are likewise in the Glastir Advanced and Glastir Organic plans.
(Image: FUW)
Mr Cadogan, a huge follower in farming to the advantage of the environment around him, led a farm walk with members and visitor speaker Bleddyn Thomas, Project Officer at the GWCT Wales, at which they recognized curlews, woodpeckers, oyster catchers, robins, teals, shelducks, starlings, Canada geese, redshanks, blue tits, black headed gulls, lapwings and meadow pipits.
He said: “I attempt to make certain that the method I farm doesn’t simply produce sustainable and healthy food however likewise takes care of the environment around me. Our farmland birds have a crucial function to play in the environment of the farm and seeing them flourish is essential to me.
“The Big Farmland Bird Count is a great initiative and is simple enough to get involved with. It is also a great way to showcase the important work farmers are already doing. I would encourage farmers to find out more about the BFBC and get involved.”
(Image: FUW)
FUW Deputy President Ian Rickman who signed up with the occasion said: “There is an abundance of wildlife on the farm which bears testimony to Tony’s effort and commitment to make the farm a home for animals, wildlife and farmland birds.
“We enjoyed a really informative session here and I thank Tony for hosting this event and the GWCT for the presentation and guided farm walk.”
Bleddyn Thomas, Project Officer at the GWCT Wales, included: “The Big Farmland Bird Count commemorates ten years this year. It offers us a photo of the farmland bird population throughout the nation, offering us a concept of how preservation work is assisting.
“Visiting farms such as New Shipping Farm, offers farmers and land supervisors a chance to display the excellent work they do. The count offers farmers a tracking tool to examine bird life on their land year on year.
“It was a great day visiting Tony’s farm, and it was plain to see the farming methods and grazing regimes they have implemented are working for wildlife, as well as profitable farming, which of course is essential.”
(Image: FUW)
(Lead image: FUW)
