A SWINDON charity boss has slammed supermarkets for squeezing hard-pressed farmers.

Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, said intensive farming techniques is one factor in the challenges affecting British wildlife.

But in a speech at festival Countryfile Live today, Ms McGrady will say the country’s environmental decline is not the fault of farmers: “For decades they have been squeezed by the supermarkets on price and provided with public funding based on the amount of land they can farm rather than on producing positive outcomes for the environment and for people.

“We now want to see the Government commit to putting enough money in the pot for nature-friendly farming, not just for the next four years, but for the next 10 or 20.

“With the right support farmers can continue to innovate, becoming more profitable, sustainable and nature-friendly.

“A better future for the countryside, including our farmers, communities and a healthy and beautiful natural environment, is within our grasp.”

The National Trust, which is headquartered near the Swindon Designer Outlet, has launched a £10 million conservation project to improve five rivers in Cumbria, Somerset, Norfolk, Cheshire and North Wales. The charity hopes to raise £4m through fundraising.

Ms McGrady said of the project: “Not only will it restore habitats for scores of wildlife, from the rare vendace fish in Derwent Water to otters and water voles, it aims to inspire people to value and care for our rivers.”