Shifting Baseline Syndrome: This occurrence is known as shifting baseline syndrome (Soga and Gaston, 2018). Shifting baseline refers to the gradual alteration of accepted standards and anticipations for the environment over generations. As time passes, our acceptance of environmental deterioration grows while our standards for the natural world decline.
After living in the UNESCO Biosphere of the South Downs National Park and researching the history of human existence within it over 6000 years I conclude it is apparent we all have SBS(shifting baseline syndrome). Things have changed over the centuries, drastically and certainly not for the better. My main consideration here is the farming practiced within this biosphere and how little it has considered the biodiversity overall.
The original topsoil has been depleted and the existing fertility is now significantly low. Some view this outcome positively yet any suggestion of planting a tree triggers negative reactions, as I observed during my visit to a meeting of a Labour environmental group. The question arises: what level of biodiversity is achievable in an environment dominated by sheep, are we unable to comprehend the extent of our losses in this growing SBS?
The South Downs were once densely wooded until Bronze Age farmers cleared the land approximately 6,000 years ago. In those times they would have inherited Natural abundance. The region's soil consists of soft chalk layers interspersed with flint bands, along with sandy soils that drain well and slightly acidic loamy soil. The chalk base of the South Downs provides effective drainage, making it conducive for agriculture.
Medieval sheep herders maintained the chalk grasslands, fostering an environment where wildflowers and butterflies could thrive. The farming practices throughout the history of the South Downs have been intricately connected, shaping the landscape with a mosaic of fields, chalk grasslands, and field borders through generations of cultivation. Now it is a mosaic of ploughed chalk fields with no or little top soil. Regenerative farming is desperatley needed to rectify this farming disaster.
This type of agriculture has depleted the soils and essentially extracted the resources, leading to financial ruin without yielding any crops for the nearby residents. Unlike traditional farmers, current farmers typically do not involve the local communities in their activities. This type of depraved economic design is the main ill of our modern era and needs to be localised for community benefits and Natures wellbeing.
 A significant portion of this downland was acquired in the early 1800s to support the expanding community of Brighton specifically because it has aquifiers. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to restore the environment for the biosphere but the water sources need protecting as a fundamental. It is essential to maintain consistent groundcover always in these areas. Rainfall replenishes aquifers and for the soil to recover its lost fertility and avoid further soil erosion from ploughing downhill regenerative practices of farming must be adopted. We should aspire to overcome our shifting baseline syndrome and transform the region into a more fertile and diverse area, as it was originally. The green desert is no longer able to support Nature, local food sources, or clean water supply as before.
Droveways were once an integral component of an ancient network through which animals were herded along lanes flanked by hedges and trees. The varied hedgerows that lined these droveways have largely disappeared. Reestablishing biodiversity by reintroducing trees, plants, and animals working in harmony is a valuable endeavor, as it is a time-honored and effective method of livestock management and planted with diversity provides seasonal fodder.
Encouraging and assisting farmers in adopting regenerative farming practices is crucial. Emphasizing collaboration rather than isolation Landtribe advocates to restore Natural ecosystems and introduce regenerative farming into the region and one day hopefully gain a farm to show how it should be. The farm will provide for local needs as this is so desperately needed. With some consultation one farm has started this process yet on a small area of a big farm. The need for more is plain to see but slow to gain momentum in this region. There is a will from many to bring this change on and frankly it cannot be too soon.
While there is still a significant distance to cover in restoring balance, Landtribe is committed to addressing the environmental crises we have caused. Personally, I am optimistic that we are nearing a solution, and I hope that our local authorities recognize the importance of integrating biodiversity into our daily lives and livelihoods.
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