Mature ecological criticism of agricultural policies is not easy: targets agreed in Biodiversity Action Plans must be achieved within a framework of agricultural and economic policies. Developing a balanced solution is the essence of sustainability. Until recently the hidden costs of high-production systems on biodiversity has been ignored.

This booklet identifies some of the hidden costs of unsustainable production, and also considers examples where conservation management has failed.

The authors argue that sustainable land management is possible, and that conservation...