The Countryside Restoration Trust
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The Countryside Restoration TrustLiving Countryside
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Facts and figures

Some facts and figures about the damage that has occurred to our countryside and farming.

Farming

70,000 farmers and workers have left farming between 1996 and 2004.

Wildlife

Apart from the loss of once common species like the otter, white admiral butterfly and the bee orchid, the loss of farmland birds has been marked. Losses include skylarks by 54%, Grey Partridges by 86% and Reed Buntings by 48% between 1970 and 2001. (Source: Common Bird Census/Breeding Bird Survey).

Hedges

There has been a dramatic loss of hedgerows. Of about 500,000 miles of hedgerow existing in England and Wales in 1946-47, about half have disappeared.

Wetlands and grassland

Since 1945, we have lost 50% of our fens and wetlands - mostly through drainage operations.

Woodlands

60% of ancient woodlands and their associated plants and wildlife have been removed since 1945.

The Countryside Restoration Trust is dedicated to restoring and protecting the countryside.

Some of our achievements so far include:
  • Lark Rise Farm, which has one of the highest densities of skylarks in East Anglia
  • Turnastone Court Farm purchased to save ancient meadows from the plough including a unique area of water meadow
  • Harold's Grove is a wonderful 8 acre wood in Essex, dating back 10,000 years

To see more about our work in practice, see the Trust Properties.

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