Farming students wise up to wildlife threat

Agricultural students are learning about farmland wildlife as a result of a partnership between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the land-based colleges' national consortium. The two have produced a learning pack for tutors.

Many farmland birds are in decline. The number of skylarks, for example, has declined 60 per cent over 25 years. David Fuller, RSPB agriculture colleges liaison officer, said: "It is vital farmers recognise the huge importance of their operations on wild birds and other wildlife."