The National Sheep Association (NSA) was a partner in the delivery of the highest farmland bird count since it was launched in 2014 by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.
NSA Policy and Technical Officer, Sean Riches was quoted as saying:
“Grazing by sheep and cattle is essential for maintaining good heathland, moorland and wetland sites. Research has indicated that songbirds for example, prefer the mosaic of habitats that sheep grazing provides and are present in higher numbers in areas grazed by sheep. It is therefore evident that the sheep industry in the UK makes a significant contribution to the environment.”
For further details:
https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/news/31449/nsa-delighted-with-results-of-big-farmland-bird-count/