Bio-acoustic recording technology has captured 83 varieties of birds at the company’s UK agricultural operations.
Through the use of artificial intelligence [AI], Ribena’s parent company, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, [SBF] a detailed picture has been created of the natural ecosystems at blackcurrant farms run by the UK’s third largest soft drink manufacture.
By recording these habitats the firm has produced demonstrable evidence of how farm stewardship and wildlife protection can work in unison, with qualitative data gathered over some 48 days at five sites. On average, each boasted 58 individual species, with the most biodiversity rich hosting 63 species.
Wrens, robins, and dunnocks were the most commonly captured avian varieties, with more unusual types also observed. 17 of these amber list and 15 from the red list, including the bullfinch and skylark, populations of which are down 63% since 1967. Among other things, the project highlight the importance of incentivising farmers to create and support habitats as part of their everyday activities.
‘Every harvest season underlines what a privilege it is to work with our incredible blackcurrant growers. Visits to the farms are a joy and even more so when we get to see the impact of projects like these,’ said Fraser McIntosh, Head of External Affairs and Sustainability at SBF GB&I.
‘We’ve had biodiversity action plans in place on these farms since 2004, so seeing how we’re providing safe havens for such a variety of bird species really validates the hard work from our growers and our team over many years,’ he continued. ‘This work is so important to boost biodiversity and ensure the resilience of the blackcurrant crop for future generations, all part of what we call Growing for Good.’
In total, 34 growers were involved in the project, which forms part of SBF’s Six Point Plan to enhance farmlands. Work focuses on grass buffers, hedgerows, green headlands, pollen and nectar sources, and mature trees with a goal of creating more resilient farmlands.
‘Working with SBF GB&I has enabled us to harness AI technology for deeper monitoring across the farms. This method allows us to observe a larger area for extended periods, beyond what might be possible using traditional approaches,’ added Olly Edmonds, Farm Environment Advisor at the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group [FWAG] South West, which is partnering on the programme.
‘We’ve strategically placed recorders to get a broader baseline of species across the farms and to help provide an insight into species presence within different habitats including those supported by conservation efforts,’ he continued. ‘For example, species reliant on hedgerows such as dunnock and bullfinch may be being supported by the sympathetic hedgerow management under the Farm Stewardship Scheme. We’re optimistic that ongoing monitoring will help reveal the contribution of these efforts on nurturing a robust bird community on our blackcurrant farms.’
Edmonds appears in a new short film alongside George Price, a blackcurrant grower at Bradfields Farm, Taunton. You can watch the full video below.
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Image: SBF