We all know that modern farming plays a substantial part in a huge reduction of our wildlife.

Whilst it is easy to blame the farmer, we can all play a role in bringing the decline to a halt.

The farmer can manage his or her hedgerows to provide a really good habitat by doing the following:

*Not cutting in the autumn when the hedge is full of fruits and insects.

* Not cutting at all for two years – modern machinery can cope with cutting alternate years.

* Not cutting them to a stubble with a flat top, which allows predators from above to have a good view into the hedge.

Members of the public can help by taking a look at their own behaviour.

Do they let their dogs roam in the countryside, doing untold harm to ground-nesting birds and mammals?

Do they let them have fun on waterways, disturbing many nesting birds?

Owners often say they never catch anything but that isn’t the point, as the harm has already been done.

Do cat owners let their cats out at night?

Most young birds and mammals are killed early in the morning. Because your pets don’t bring them in doesn’t mean they haven’t been on a killing spree.

We must stop blaming the farmer for the total devastation of our wildlife and take some responsibility ourselves.

We can all make a difference – if we want to!

M Conrad, Blue Anchor.