Wildlife group concerned Brexit will harm wild animal habitats

Cheshire Wildlife Trust has voiced fears that wildlife populations in Cheshire could suffer through Brexit.

The trust has highlighted that a number of funding schemes for farmers to support habitats for wild animals come through the EU. 

Concern is growing that if farmers do not have the funds to help protect rural wildlife then it could be adversely affected.

The trust gives advice to, and works alongside, the county's farmers on many issues that can affect animal populations including water pollution and increasing flood prevention.

The trust also manages its own land. The organisation holds over two hundred acres of working farmland in Cheshire, operating a wildlife friendly management system to protect the habitats within.

Martin Varley, Director of Conservation at Cheshire Wildlife Trust told us it's not always economical to build things like hedgerows. 

He said: "Farmers need to earn a living. They won't put in a hedgerow if they don't see a benefit to it."

"Farmers do a lot of work. They're supported by a lot of these (EU) schemes, and these... are coming to an end. A farmer needs to earn a living and a lot of farmers want to do stuff for wildlife."

A public consultation on the future for food, farming and the environment through Brexit is ongoing. Cheshire Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to have their say to ensure our countryside's get the funding they need.