UK: THE SKYLARK DEMISE
Article Abstract:
The demise of the British skylark is due to the change in agricultural spring-sown crop rotation according to a research project by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Farmers between 1968 and 1996 have switched from spring-sown cereal to autumn-sown cereal; the former accounted for 73% of the UK's total cereal area, but now has fallen to 16%. Due to the change in the crop rotation the skylarks, which are ground-nesting birds, have declined 75%, from about four million birds to just one million birds. Tesco, the leading UK supermarket group, has largely funded the research project as part of the company's support for the UK Skylark Biodiversity Action Plan, the government-sponsored plan to help the bird recover. It is hoped with new grants becoming available to farmers it will help them to revert back to the original spring-sown cereal, which would them provide the correct environment for the recovery of the skylark.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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WORLD: NEW STUDY OF LIFE EXPECTANCY
Article Abstract:
Major economic and social problems will result from a greater life expectancy than previously forecast, according to a study by Mountain View Research. Scientists at the US-based centre say that in 2050, the combined life expectancy of UK men and women would reach 83.79 years, above the official projection of 82.5 years. Scientists claim that G7 nations generally were underestimating lifespans, with official forecasts not allowing for certain factors. There is concern that the ageing population would have to be supported by a diminishing number of young workers.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: INTEREST RATES TO COME DOWN SAY BCC
Article Abstract:
The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is forecasting that interest rates have reached their peak, and will decline before the end of 2000. In its latest economic report, the BCC also revealed that manufacturing activity was continuing to slow as a result of the high level of sterling and rising raw material prices.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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