Lambing, hedgerow cutting, new farming entrants
We look at lambing, the most important time of the year for sheep farmers, and ask what should the rules be on trimming hedgerows.
We look at lambing, the most important time of the year for sheep farmers, with visits to farms in Cumbria and Yorkshire. This week the Government confirmed that hedgerows will continue to be protected, even through the old EU rules governing this aspect of farming lapsed at the end of last year. Legislation will mean no cutting of hedges between the first of March and the end of August, to protect nesting birds, and the fruit and berries they feed on. It'll include a two metre protective 'buffer strip' each side of the hedgerows. Some farmers growing oilseed rape or temporary grass can apply for an exemption though. And we hear from witnesses to an inquiry by the cross party Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee into the future of education and recruitment into agriculture related jobs. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.
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- Sat 9 Mar 2024 06:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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Farming Today
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