Conservation designation in the somerset levels: A study of local attitudes

The wildlife and landscape of the Somerset Levels (an internationally important wetland site in south west Britain) depend on traditional farming methods, but these are being replaced by more efficient and economic practices that threaten to destroy conservation interests. To protect the wildlife, the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) has scheduled 6800 ha (10% of the area) as 10 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These designations were initially opposed by the farming community, but are now generally accepted. However, the SSSI system, based on selecting sites for their wildlife interests alone, is inadequate for the Levels, where a more integrated approach encompassing other land uses is needed. The area has just been designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) — an opportunity to develop such a stategy. Within ESAs low-intensity farming methods will be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) so that they are economically viable. This should ensure that traditional practices are continued in areas whose wildlife and landscape are nationally important. This proposal is a significant change within the European framework for agricultural policy, allowing greater flexibility at a national level.