A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to protect wildlife has already begun to pay off for one York farmer.

The Safeguarding the Arable Farmed Environment (Safe) scheme has been set up between local farmers, the RSPB and supermarket Asda to prove "safe" farming benefits producers, consumers, retailers and wildlife.

Richard Burniston, of Long Marston, near York, is one of ten farmers in the region leading the way, having already made changes on his land - and is seeing results after just a few weeks.

"It is going well, we have got most of the jobs in place now and there are new things, like having strips of grassland, that are really helping the wildlife.

"We can see changes already after just a few weeks, like having more partridges and wildlife around.

"I take a long-term view of farming, I want to still be farming in years to come and want the wildlife to be here as well for us to enjoy so I am really supporting this scheme."

The scheme encourages farmers to leave grassland, hedgerows and wild areas for the animals, and to grow spring crops rather than winter cereal, among other measures.

The farms are paid a premium for the crops, to reward their conservation work and for leaving the land wild.

Goods from the farms are then traded through dealer Banks Cargill to supermarket Asda, where they bear the Safe logo.

"It is nice that we now know where our food goes, we can trace it now, all the way from the field, to the shelf," said Mr Burniston.

"We didn't have this before, and I think it is better for ourselves, and our customers."

Asda agriculture manager Chris Brown said: "The Safe project is a great opportunity to create a direct link between farmers, retailers and consumers.

"By having clearly-labelled Safe- endorsed products in our stores, Asda customers will be able to make a valuable contribution to wildlife conservation in this country."

Phil Rothwell, RSPB head of countryside policy, said: "This is a ground-breaking initiative bringing together three of the biggest international players in their respective fields to benefit farmers, consumers and wildlife.

"This project has the potential to make a major difference for all involved in arable farming."

Updated: 09:17 Friday, July 25, 2003