2024

Defra has some exciting news for landowners and farmers: the Tree Health Pilot Scheme, launched in 2021, has been extended.

The year has been dominated by two policy eras – the last weeks of the Conservative government and the first few weeks of the new Labour one. But perhaps surprisingly the key messages during these eras have been broadly the same, focussing on water quality, ELMS and nature recovery. 

Defra have announced that the first endorsed action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is now live. GRH6, which focuses on managing priority habitat species-rich grassland, is officially available on GOV.UK. Here's what you need to know to get started.

There has been much written in scientific journals about how conservation is influenced by changing values and beliefs, and the increasingly held view that animals and humans are equal sentient beings resulting in compassionate conservation approaches and ultimately calls for animal personhood. This results in concerns about the management of some species, such as when controlling predators or pests. But are these values and attitudes applied to all animals equally?

Defra have recently updated the guidance for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. These updates aim to provide clearer instructions and expand the options available to farmers and land managers.

Farm safety is crucial, and Lantra has made it easier for farmers to access vital training by offering their comprehensive e-learning course for free. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing high numbers of fatalities and serious injuries in the farming industry.

The Curlew Connections Wales project is yet another example of how working collaboratively with farmers and providing support is proving to be beneficial for breeding curlew.

Elin Thomas (GWCT Cymru Agriculture and Conservation Officer), Lee Oliver (Director for GWCT Cymru) and Sue Evans from GWCT Cymru attended the recent Da Byw Sustainable Livestock Farming Confernece at Coed Coch Farm, Denbighshire.

Eleanor Williams looks at the Big Farmland Bird Count as it celebrates its 10th birthday.

John Szczur reports on unprecedented rain which has damaged habitats and put harvest in doubt. John Szczur is the ecologist at our Allerton Project farm. He is passionate about wildlife and how to help farmers combat climate change.