The Canadian experience of soil conservation: a way forward for Britain?

Soil erosion on agricultural land has increased substantially in Britain in the last twenty years. This is a result of the intensification of farming and particularly the increased area under winter cereals. Off‐farm damage due to runoff from fields regularly affects roads, properties and watercourses. Response to this situation has been minimal, both at the level of the farm and government policy initiatives. Recent Canadian experience in the development of policy, provides a model for Britain. Conservation programmes must integrate current research findings and continue to encourage the innovative farmer. At the national level, political leadership is necessary in order to develop pressure groups committed to the long term aims of conservation education and keeping the issues in the public eye.