UK's farmland birds decline by more than half.
A recent report published by the nation's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has revealed record low populations of farmland birds such as skylarks, with some species dropping by over 70% compared to 1970 levels, including the corn bunting, grey partridge, tree sparrow and turtle dove.

Dramatic declines have also been seen in woodland bird species such as the wood warbler, lesser spotted woodpecker, blackbird, song thrush, tawny owl and others. Experts believe that changing winter climate and decreased vegetation cover are primary contributing factors to their losses.

Meanwhile, researchers from the British Trust for Ornithology suggest that current intensive agricultural farming methods, including the use of pesticides, are damaging both the farmland birds' habitats and food sources. Dr. Mark Avery, conservation director of the UK Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, believes these bird species can be saved by encouraging farmers through subsidies to manage lands in more eco-friendly manners. He said, “The good news is that we know how to turn around these declines... A countryside richer in birds is within our grasp.”

Our appreciation, Dr. Avery and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as well as Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, British Trust for Ornithology, and all others working to ensure the welfare of our precious avian co-inhabitants. Let us tread more gently on the Earth to preserve these and all treasured animal species that enrich our lives.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has frequently emphasized the urgency of protecting fellow beings on the planet, as in an August 2008 videoconference in Canada, during which she also mentioned the most sustainable solution. BMD 876, L1042-1064 If we just protect our environment and we turn our hearts to a compassionate way of life, then like attracts like. If we treasure life, then life will be coming back in abundance. I'm also sorry, like you, because some beautiful animals, some beautiful species are just gone.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1348943/Dramatic-decline-farmland-birds-numbers-drop-70.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/20/uk-wild-bird-numbers
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/8272350/Farmland-birds-at-lowest-ever-level.html

Extra News
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http://www.france24.com/en/20110209-drilling-may-kill-mediterranean-ecosystem-wwf,

More than 200 European industry and academic organizations, trade unions and environmental groups, along with 30 members of the European Parliament call for a European energy policy of 100% sustainability by 2050.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/via-expo/news/article/2011/02/european-businesses-
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The Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development in Spain creates an air-conditioned greenhouse that achieves optimal temperatures for crops through use of an alternative energy biomass boiler and sustainable thermodynamic solar panels.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202132619.htm?utm_source=feedburner&
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