Drama, drought and deluge
Refers to page 11 in the booklet
This activity requires some knowledge of the farm environment and so might be a good follow up activity to a farm visit.
Some sample answers:
|
|
Summer drought |
Winter gale |
Torrential rain |
|
Trees |
Lose leaves early Wilt Leaves scorched Affects long-term growth |
Bend Lose weak branches Some topple Impact of falling e.g. on roads |
Enjoy extra water Can become waterlogged |
|
Wheat |
Low yields Poor quality But scientists developing drought tolerant species |
Low yields Poor quality
|
Low yields Poor quality If near harvest, grain may need drying – extra cost and higher food prices |
|
Hedges |
Lose leaves Leaves scorched Impact on shelter for birds and mammals later in the year |
Can stand strong and provide much needed shelter for birds, mammals and livestock (sheep and cattle) |
Can stand strong and provide much needed shelter for birds, mammals and livestock (sheep and cattle) |
|
Butterflies |
Fewer numbers |
Threat of injury or death Need to shelter, hide under leaves etc. |
Threat of injury or death Need to shelter, hide under leaves etc. |
|
Birds |
Fewer insects and fish to feed birds Fail to breed Migrate early |
Small birds suffer from hypothermia (pockets of air under feathers become filled with water) |
Nests and breeding grounds destroyed |
|
Cattle |
Smaller, fewer, thinner as less grass available Farmer needs to use winter feed stocks so increase in food prices |
Cattle need more energy to stay warm More cattle feed required, so increases in costs |
Dampness can increase risk of spread of disease |
|
Stream |
Drying up Impact on environment – fewer fish and water borne insects to feed birds etc |
Flooding can contaminate fresh water supplies Damage to fields |
Flooding |