Morrisons donates money to farmers to create a biodiverse farmland for free range hens

The money raised from the new range will be invested in planting woodland, creating insect-friendly habitats and improving free range farmland to create a healthier environment. Morrisons said happier hens naturally tend to lay more eggs.

The Bradford-based supermarket group became the first major supermarket to sell only free range eggs in February.

Free range hens cost farmers significantly more to keep as they need large outdoor woodland and grassland areas in which to exercise, along with enriched nesting boxes and undercover areas.

Morrisons' contribution will also help egg farmers to plant and manage woodland and wildflowers on their farms. It said that free range hens should roam during daylight hours in fields planted with 20 per cent trees. When outside, hens naturally use trees for roosting, which keeps them off the ground but under cover.

The extra investment may also be used by many farmers to create new or adapt existing buildings for their birds. Free range hens require an indoor environment with more space and light, nest boxes with wide perches, and spaces for scratching and dust bathing.

Farms will also be encouraged to set aside land for wild bees and insects to increase their numbers and pollinate the nation’s crops and flora. Morrisons' agriculture team has helped to formulate a unique pollen and nectar rich flower mixture to establish dedicated bumblebee and insect habitats.

For every 16,000 birds they have, farmers have been asked to plant one acre of seed mix.

Sophie Throup, head of agriculture at Morrisons, said: “Improving animal welfare and looking after our farmed and natural environment is important for us and our customers.

"By giving back to our egg farmers, they can create the highest welfare outside and indoor conditions for their hens. Planting woodland, pollen and nectar rich habitats will also bring huge and wider benefits to our countryside, and support sustainable food production into the future.”

Mark Williams, CEO at The British Egg Industry Council, said: “We applaud Morrisons for this move.

"We believe it is very important to encourage free range hens to go outside and fully explore the range around the hen house.

"That’s why the British Lion Scheme actively encourages farmers to plant trees that give a natural canopy for the hens, helping the birds to feel protected, alongside activities that encourage the birds to come outside and enjoy the natural environment.”

A 12 pack of Morrisons "For Farmers" medium "Chuckle Eggs" will be available in 491 Morrisons stores and online, costing £1.99. 12p from every pack will go back to the farmers who produced the eggs.

All of Morrisons' fresh eggs are free range, sourced from 44 free range egg farms around the UK. Around 1.5 million free range birds will be laying medium eggs for the new range.

Morrisons launched its range of "For Farmers" products in 2015 and became the first supermarket to give part of the retail price directly back to farmers.

The range now includes milk, cream, cheese, butter and eggs. To date, the "For Farmers" range has given back £17m directly to British farmers.