New Report Sheds Light on Land Management and Conservation at Lake Vyrnwy
- Rob Beeson
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
A comprehensive new report by Professor Simon Denny, commissioned by the Regional Moorland Groups, has been launched.
"Conserving Birds and Nature in Wales: Land Management Regimes and Taxpayers’ is a detailed investigation that examines nearly five decades of land management at the Lake Vyrnwy estate in Powys, Wales - home to the largest organic upland farm in the UK.
With a focus on biodiversity outcomes, use of public funding, and stakeholder roles, the report provides a critical analysis of how different land management approaches compare in conserving nature.
Key findings include:
Declining bird populations despite significant funding: According to the RSPB’s own data, numbers of red-listed birds such as black grouse and curlew have decreased since the 1990s. A 2021 bid to the National Lottery even described the reserve’s condition in “dramatically negative language”, despite over £160 million in annual income to the charity, including large sums from taxpayers.
Higher costs, lower returns: Farms and estates elsewhere in Wales, operating with a fraction of the RSPB’s public funding, have demonstrated the ability to produce food sustainably while increasing biodiversity, often seeing rises in red-listed bird populations. These landowners typically receive less than a quarter of the public funds directed to the Lake Vyrnwy reserve.
Peatland restoration and reduced grazing: The RSPB has reduced sheep numbers from over 7,500 to around 1,500 breeding ewes and is investing in peatland restoration over 1,500 hectares of degraded bog. While valuable, these efforts are expensive - £2 million spent on restoration in just four years - and outcomes for key species remain mixed.
Public concerns over management: A community survey found that local residents ranked job creation, property maintenance, and rural ethos above environmental concerns. Nearly all comments were critical of the RSPB’s role, citing limited community engagement and poor estate condition.
The report calls for a rebalancing of public funding to ensure value for money and effective conservation. It highlights the untapped potential of farming and land management communities, which - when trusted and properly supported - can deliver substantial biodiversity benefits at lower cost.
Further Reading
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