A Slovenian project funded by the EU’s rural development fund has shown how practical conservation measures on working farms can support farmland biodiversity while contributing directly to the country’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The project, “Farming with, and for, biodiversity on lowland farms”, focused on three declining farmland bird species: the lapwing, skylark and woodlark. It also aimed to improve habitats for pollinators and restore grassland habitats. Between 2021 and 2024, farmers, supported by researchers, tested a range of measures, including flower strips, fallow land, hedgerows and species-specific protection measures.
The measures included leaving unsown patches of land for skylarks and avoiding agricultural work around lapwing and woodlark nests during the breeding season. The project also established 640 metres of hedgerows, 2,300 m² of flower strips and 4.53 hectares of fallow land where no fertilisers or plant protection products were used.
The project’s results have already influenced Slovenian agricultural policy. Measures for skylark habitat and lapwing nest protection were included in Slovenia’s 2023–2027 CAP Strategic Plan, while a further CAP intervention is set to include protection measures for the woodlark. According to data from Slovenia’s Ministry of Agriculture cited by the project, the skylark measure was implemented on 1,041 hectares, while 54 lapwing nests were protected after the first year.
The project also highlights the importance of cooperation between farmers, agricultural advisers and researchers. This exchange of knowledge helped demonstration farms continue implementing biodiversity measures after the project ended, with most participating farms expected to continue applying relevant CAP measures.
For farmland wildlife, the Slovenian experience shows how CAP-supported projects can go beyond testing individual conservation actions and help turn successful measures into longer-term agricultural policy.
More information about this project can be found at this link
