Farming Nick Green

Securing farming for the future

THEMendips are classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and, as such, those with responsibility for looking after the area have access to public funding from time to time. A recently launched scheme called Farming in Protected Landscapes in Somerset supports farmers and a range of land managers, who can apply for project funding.

As a guide, the value of a project that would be considered would be up to £50,000 but if there is an exceptional proposal that would benefit the Mendip AONB on a wider scale it would be considered.

There are four main themes in the scheme. Climate, Nature, People and Places. These cover a wide range of objectives including carbon storage, increasing biodiversity, improving and expanding natural habitats, providing more opportunities for the public to explore and enjoy the landscape, conserving historic structures and enhancing the quality and character of the landscape.

Lastly, but by no means least, it aims to help increase farm business resilience. It is imperative farmers run their businesses profitably. Without farmers the countryside wouldn’t be like it is and without profit, farmers wouldn’t be able to afford to do what they do keep the countryside how it is.

As well as farmers, others with responsibility for looking after land in the AONB are eligible to apply. Further information can be found online or by contacting the AONB office.

There has been much in the news over the last few months about food shortages and a lack of lorry drivers. Whilst there

With NICK GREEN may be some exaggeration in some of what the media have presented to us the core issue remains. Many of our food chains are too long and rely on multiple inputs to make them run effectively. Why not take a step back and see what you can do to change this? How about eating seasonal food from local farmers and growers? Not only would this reduce the risk of not getting your supplies, it would help local producers secure the future of their businesses and help the local environment. Details: Megan Godley (Farming Engagement Officer) megan@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.

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New health hub for farmers

A NEW National Health Servicebacked scheme launched at Frome Livestock Market could help save the lives of farmers and their families too busy to make doctor’s appointments. Frome Market Health Hub offers farmers, their families and agricultural workers free access to confidential health checks, without the need to book an appointment. Hundreds of rural workers attend Frome Livestock Auctioneers sales every week and the hub, launched by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and based on the market site, will operate on the second Wednesday morning of every month.

SFT believes the hub will provide an important gateway for the farming community who are often the hardest to reach through traditional health service channels. It follows the success of the Derek Mead Health Room at Sedgemoor Auction Centre. Other hubs may be launched at a later date.

NHS Operational Manager for the health hubs, Jane Fitzgerald, said: “We recognise farmers and farm workers often put the health and welfare of their livestock above that of their own wellbeing and will often put off seeking help, when it could help to save their life.

“This is a great opportunity for those living and working in rural areas to access free health checks in a place and time which is convenient to them.”

The hub will also be the base for additional, independentlyrun clinics for specialist problems. Separately-funded foot clinics will be held twice monthly, thanks to a grant from Somerset Community Foundation.

Health Hub clinics will rely on volunteers from farming and community-based charities like Farming Community Network and Mendip Health Connectors. The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, who attended the opening of the hub, said the project was only made possible thanks to businesses and organisations like Mole Valley Farmers, based next to the market at Standerwick.

Guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset at the opening of the Frome Health Hub

The next health hub dates are November 10th, December 8th and January 12th. For dates of Wednesday foot clinics at the market, visit the FLA Market Report website which will have regular updates.

Princess Royal presents awards to local farmers

SEVERALlocal people received Royal Agricultural Society awards at a ceremony at the House of Lords attended by the Princess Royal.

The recipients are commended for going over and above the call of duty in their contribution to the betterment of the food and farming sector, also supporting charities, innovation and

excellence in furthering research, advancing technology and development or holding voluntary roles which underpin the sector.

Nick Green, chairman of the society’s English panel, said: “We are delighted to be able to organise such a fitting ceremony to highlight individual personal achievement in such a historical and grand setting.”

Pictured 2nd left James Small, Warren Farm, Charterhouse; 1st right Peter Alvis, Lye Cross Farm, Redhill; 4th right Johnny Alvis, also Lye Cross Farm Pictured 3rd left Anita Simmons, Yew Tree Farm, Kingston Seymour; 6th left Richard Simmons, also Yew Tree Farm; 2nd right Professor David Barrett, University of Bristol, Langford; 5th right Duncan Forbes, Kingshay, Bridge Farm, Glastonbury

Police issue poaching alert

WELLS Neighbourhood Policing Team have seen an increase in reports of hare coursing/deer poaching in the Chewton Mendip, East Harptree, Red Quar and Charterhouse areas. They say padlocks and chains are being cut to enter farmland and cause hundreds of pounds damage to mowing grass and crops. The incidents nearly always involve people with lurcher-type dogs and 4x4 style vehicles.

The team is appealing for people who see any suspicious vehicles to contact them or Crimestoppers. They say: “Wells Neighborhood Policing Team work closely with our local farmers and landowners.

“We take a zero tolerance approach on rural crime and continue to progress intelligence in order to shut the gate on poachers in our force area.”