Research across farms reveals 69 species, including threatened birds

WELSH farmland is playing a crucial role in supporting bird populations, according to a new study which could help reverse decades of decline.

The Farming Connect-led research, carried out across fourteen farms in Wales, recorded sixty-nine different bird species – including sixteen classified as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.

Populations of farmland birds have fallen sharply in recent decades, but the findings suggest that well-managed agricultural land can still provide important habitats for a wide range of species.

The study, conducted during the April to June breeding season in 2025, used specialist recording devices to capture birdsong during the dawn chorus. Two sensors were placed on each farm across a range of habitats, including dairy, beef and sheep systems.

Recordings were analysed using artificial intelligence software, allowing researchers to identify species and assess biodiversity levels across different landscapes.

The results varied significantly between farms, with one site recording as many as forty-six species.

Farming Connect biodiversity specialist Lynfa Davies, who oversaw the project, said the presence – or absence – of certain birds can reveal how well a habitat is functioning.

She said: “If insect-feeding birds are scarce, it suggests the land is not supporting enough insects. Measures such as planting flower-rich margins or allowing wet scrub to develop can make a real difference.”

Among the threatened species identified were linnet, tree pipit, curlew, greenfinch, ring ouzel and wood warbler.

“The presence of these birds highlights the importance of farmland and the role it plays in providing valuable habitats,” she added.

Researchers also examined “trophic niches” – the roles species play within the food chain. The study identified a range of groups including insect-eaters, omnivores and top predators such as birds of prey.

The presence of these predators, known as vertivores, suggests healthy ecosystems, as they rely on a strong chain of smaller species for food.

The findings could help shape future land management across Wales, with experts suggesting wider use of monitoring technology could support biodiversity on a larger scale.

The study also points towards the potential for farmers to play a central role in reversing wildlife decline by creating and maintaining habitats that support a broader range of species.

Farmers urged to act as magnesium levels in grazing ewes fall

SHEEP farmers across Pembrokeshire are being warned of an increased risk of magnesium deficiency in lactating ewes this spring, following months of heavy winter rainfall.

The condition, known as grass tetany, can lead to reduced milk production and poor lamb performance if not addressed early.

Dr Alison Bond, Technical Services Manager at Rumenco, said wet conditions over the winter are likely to have depleted key minerals in grazing land.

She said: “Excessive rainfall can leach magnesium from soils, meaning levels in spring grass may be lower than usual. At the same time, fast-growing grass can dilute mineral content, increasing the risk of deficiency.”

Typical spring grazing may not provide enough magnesium to meet a ewe’s needs. A lactating ewe requires around 4g per day, but grass alone often supplies only half that amount.

Dr Bond warned that even before obvious symptoms appear, flocks may already be suffering hidden losses.

She said: “Reduced feed intake, lower milk yield, loss of condition and increased disease risk can all occur. By the time clinical signs are visible, the impact on productivity is already significant.”

Other seasonal factors, including late frosts and fertiliser use, can further limit magnesium uptake in grass.

Farmers are being advised to take preventative action by providing supplementary magnesium during high-risk periods.

Dr Bond said: “Routine supplementation is the most effective strategy. It helps prevent both sub-clinical losses and more serious cases of grass tetany.”

Magnesium can be provided through mineral blocks or buckets, which allow free access for grazing animals and require minimal labour.

With lambing season underway, farmers are being urged to monitor flocks closely and ensure nutritional needs are being met to protect both ewe health and lamb growth.

AS GLOBAL demand for sustainable textiles continues to grow, wool is presenting farmers with a renewed opportunity to increase revenue by improving flock quality.

Competition shearer and sheep farmer Matt Smith has been working for several years to enhance the value of wool from his Romney flock. However, he believes it could take another decade before he achieves the level of fleece quality needed to deliver a significant uplift in returns.

“We have invested heavily in genetics, particularly to improve micron density within the flock,” he said. “High-quality wool is in demand for premium, sustainable clothing, and better micron density combined with a higher comfort factor will always attract stronger prices.”

While his flock already produces wool that commands a good return, Smith believes there is further potential—particularly with the introduction of new technology that allows more precise measurement of wool quality.

“I have been fortunate to trial a new handheld device from Woven Optics, which measures micron and comfort factor in real time,” he explained. “It has allowed me to clearly see how breeding decisions are influencing wool quality.”

Developed in Australia, the Woven Optics device is designed for use in a range of conditions and has proven to be an accurate on-farm testing tool. In the UK, the company has partnered with Heiniger to bring the technology to farmers.

“I have been working with Hefin Rowlands from Heiniger to monitor our Romneys using the device,” Smith added. “While it represents a significant investment, it is small compared to what we already spend on genetics.”

He believes the technology offers farmers a practical way to track improvements and better understand how breeding choices impact wool value.

“It is an enabler,” he said. “Having the ability to test wool on farm in seconds could help shift the industry back towards prioritising wool as a key genetic trait.”

Smith argues that this shift is not just about profitability, but also about animal health and long-term sustainability.

“In recent years, breeding has focused heavily on carcass weight to meet market demand for larger cuts of meat, and wool quality has been overlooked,” he said. “That has had unintended consequences.”

Drawing on his experience as a contract shearer across the UK, Smith has observed a decline in fleece quality in many flocks.

“I am seeing more yellowing in fleeces and a stronger odour, which can increase susceptibility to fly problems,” he said.

He warns that neglecting wool quality may also be contributing to a growing reliance on chemicals, antibiotics and anthelmintics—raising concerns about resistance and animal welfare.

“As a sheep breeding nation, we risk forgetting how important wool quality is to overall sheep health,” he added. “Changes in fleece condition, combined with warmer temperatures, can increase flystrike risk. By breeding for better wool, we can reduce these issues and cut reliance on pharmaceuticals.”

Smith believes that embracing technology such as the Woven Optics device could help reverse current trends.

“Breeding in the wrong direction is not sustainable,” he said. “By improving wool quality, farmers can produce healthier, more valuable sheep. The tools are now available, and the opportunity is there to restore wool as a priority within UK sheep farming.”