ENVIRONMENTAL work carried out by farmers in Winsford and Middlewich could well be in jeopardy due to the financial depression currently engulfing the livestock industry.

The National Farmers Union has revealed some worrying findings in a recently published document, 'Landscapes in Peril'.

John Cousins, director of agriculture policy of the Wildlife Trusts, said: "As the beef crisis continues, the future of our finest wildlife hangs in the balance."

Farmers say that over the past three years, they have taken large steps to ensure that wildlife is well maintained.

They have planted new trees and either laid or revived hedgerows, which is vital for Britain's butterflies, flowers and nesting birds.

The farmers say that they spend large amounts of money on environmental management. But they believe that if the financial crisis continues, they will no longer be able to afford to maintain the work put in up to now.

Senior advisors from the NFU are appealing to the Government to take action to help them, such as lowering the value of the pound.

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