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03/03/2005
Defra launches farmland conservation scheme
A new scheme enabling English farmers to be paid for environmental work on their farms is to be launched in the spring.
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and the government, will enable farmers to earn up to £30 per hectare for carrying out work such as maintaining hedgerows, leaving conservation strips around fields and creating beetle banks.
The new scheme aims to address several important countryside issues, such as the decline in species, such as farmland birds, protection of the landscape character and historic environment and reduction of diffuse pollution, caused by nitrate pollution and nutrient leaching.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley, said: "This is excellent news for farmers, the environment and the general public. It is certain to have a hugely beneficial effect on improving habitats for bird and wildlife species, increasing their numbers and repairing populations damaged by intensive farming activities. It will also make a major and visible impact on rural landscapes; restoring wetlands, heather moorland and replacing lost hedgerows. In turn, farmers will get the credit they deserve for their key role in protecting and enhancing the farmed environment, creating a countryside that we can all enjoy."
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme has been welcomed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Birds (RSPB).
Application packs, which will contain full details of the scheme, will be available immediately after the scheme's launch.
(KMcA/SP)
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and the government, will enable farmers to earn up to £30 per hectare for carrying out work such as maintaining hedgerows, leaving conservation strips around fields and creating beetle banks.
The new scheme aims to address several important countryside issues, such as the decline in species, such as farmland birds, protection of the landscape character and historic environment and reduction of diffuse pollution, caused by nitrate pollution and nutrient leaching.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley, said: "This is excellent news for farmers, the environment and the general public. It is certain to have a hugely beneficial effect on improving habitats for bird and wildlife species, increasing their numbers and repairing populations damaged by intensive farming activities. It will also make a major and visible impact on rural landscapes; restoring wetlands, heather moorland and replacing lost hedgerows. In turn, farmers will get the credit they deserve for their key role in protecting and enhancing the farmed environment, creating a countryside that we can all enjoy."
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme has been welcomed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Birds (RSPB).
Application packs, which will contain full details of the scheme, will be available immediately after the scheme's launch.
(KMcA/SP)
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30 September 2003
Farmers' grants scheme gets revamp
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Farmers' grants scheme gets revamp
Government grants to help farmers meet the cost of environmental protection controls on storing and spreading manure are to be revamped. Ministers have responded to European Commission requirements by making changes to the Farm Waste Grant Scheme, worth more than £7.
25 July 2003
Animal recovery scheme for farmers goes ahead
Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw today announced that a UK national scheme to recover dead animals from farmland is set to go ahead. The voluntary scheme, which has support from key livestock organisations and the devolved authorities, will be jointly financed by subscriptions from farmers and government.
Animal recovery scheme for farmers goes ahead
Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw today announced that a UK national scheme to recover dead animals from farmland is set to go ahead. The voluntary scheme, which has support from key livestock organisations and the devolved authorities, will be jointly financed by subscriptions from farmers and government.
15 April 2003
Removal scheme set to ease pressure on livestock farmers
The government is set to introduce a carcass removal scheme following the implementation of EU-wide legislation banning the burial of dead animals on agricultural land. In move that could cripple the farming industry, farmers will no longer be able to bury or burn dead animals on their land from 1 May.
Removal scheme set to ease pressure on livestock farmers
The government is set to introduce a carcass removal scheme following the implementation of EU-wide legislation banning the burial of dead animals on agricultural land. In move that could cripple the farming industry, farmers will no longer be able to bury or burn dead animals on their land from 1 May.
11 May 2012
Environment Agency Removes Drought Status
The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have significantly increased river and reservoir levels, reducing pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England, according to the Environment Agency. These indicators have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas.
Environment Agency Removes Drought Status
The wettest April on record and continuing rainfall in May have significantly increased river and reservoir levels, reducing pressure on the environment and public water supplies in some parts of England, according to the Environment Agency. These indicators have led the Environment Agency to remove the drought status for certain areas.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
