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The Wildlife Farming Company (WFC) is a specialist business dedicated to finding an effective balance between profitable agriculture and increased wildlife delivery. This is done by innovative research and practical in-field training.
Marek Nowakowski who runs WFC started as a research scientist in 1969, and in 1976 became an agronomist. In 1999 he set up a company dedicated to the creation of new wildlife habitats; this company later became WFC. The formation of this company allowed Marek to develop his passion and flare for increasing wildlife. To keep his feet firmly on the ground (soil!) Marek continues to provide agronomic services to a small number of farmer clients.
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| Working with organisations such as Centre of Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) Natural England, DEFRA, Syngenta, Earthwatch, Jordans Cereals, Vitacress, wildlife trusts and others in the agricultural, food and environmental sectors has produced a range of habitats with proven wildlife benefits. |
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Putting The Habitats Back
The philosophy of WFC is simple and effective:
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Wildlife is another” crop” so train people to manage this new crop! |
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80% of the UK is farmland so this is the biggest area of opportunity! |
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90% farm land wildlife gone due to habitat loss, so put habitats back! |
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Food production need not be at the expense of wildlife! |
Payments exist for habitat creation. Therefore it makes good business sense to encourage wildlife on the areas of land that earn less in food production. If bees earn more than beans then farmers should change the crop.
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The Proof Of The Pudding
England’s green and pleasant land is still there, but needs stitching back into better working order. This can be done by using appropriate environmental science to underpin the re-creation of quality habitats. The partnership of white coat (scientist) and welly boot (WFC) helping the best habitat growers (farmers) is a highly effective one. The proof is there for all to see: wildlife can be returned to farmland:
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Manor Farm Project 1999-2003:
Created a range of habitats on 10% of the farmed area on this 170ha farm, producing massive wildlife increases, which included: |
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41% increase in breeding birds
5 new butterflies on the farm
13 fold increase in some small mammals |
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Buzz Project 2001-2006.
Recorded wildlife gains from a range of habitats( grass, bird food, flower, clover and regen) sown on 6 farms across the country. The results made important contributions to the habitat prescriptions for Environmental Stewardship.
40 fold increase in breeding bird numbers
600 fold increase in bumblebee numbers
12 fold increase in butterfly numbers
3 fold increase in invertebrate species
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Operation Bumblebee 2004-2008.
A Syngenta project which created 1000ha of new bumblebee habitat across more than 500 farms. This provided a huge increase in vital pollen and nectar, and recorded big increases in bumblebees. |
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What's On Offer
WFC offer a range of services which can be tailored to individual needs.
Training Events. These events are usually based on the Upton Estate which is near Banbury, Oxfordshire, and provide groups with the chance to learn more about wildlife, especially habitat creation. The Upton Estate has first class facilities and provides a full range of farmland habitats for practical hands on training. These events have been popular with a wide range of people including the general public, farmers and those in the food industries.
Site Visits. Individual visits are made to sites where specialist help can be provided to increase wildlife by the creation of new habitats. These visits give farmers and landowners, as well as those in rural offices, the means and inspiration to derive greater value and well-being from the work place.
Research. WFC has a wealth of experience in developing and running research projects for the food and farming sectors. This work is done in conjunction with recognised research bodies and provides firm and lasting advances in the knowledge of farmland wildlife systems. Sponsorship of this research helps raise company profile and responsibility.
WFC can provide further information by phone on: 01869 253808 or 07885 252383, or e-mail
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A photograph taken in 2007 of a WFC wild flower meadow sown in 1991
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