Farmland wildlife have historically been a neglected group. But when severe declines of once common species were detected, research focused on how to halt declines and restore populations. Using large scale, long-term experiments on farmland all over the UK techniques were designed to allow farmers to continue to be in profit, but also to support wildlife and improve biodiversity.

These techniques will be explored and include habitat creation, modification of pesticide use and predation control. Real life examples of farms employing these techniques will be described focussing on a large estate on the Sussex Downs.

The talk takes us on a 50 year journey from identifying the problems, using research to solve them, making sure these ideas are farmer friendly and inexpensive, getting them out to the farming world and finally, getting them funded by UK Government so the take up of these wildlife-friendly ideas can be maximised.

Professor Nick Sotherton is a recently retired Director at an independent research and education charity based in Hampshire. After a degree in Agricultural Zoology from Newcastle University and a PhD from Southampton University, Nick has 43 years of experience on conservation issues. He was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society and has been responsible for a team of 60 scientists working on conservation issues with UK wildlife. His research interests involve practical solutions to problems that can be used by farmers and land managers alike. He has been closely involved with the UK Government as it develops reformed schemes to subsidise farmers post Brexit. Nick has recently moved to Rottingdean to be close to his first granddaughter.