Friday, 30 July 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Game Fair 2011 - Date and Venue
gamefair.co.uk: "THE CLA GAME FAIR 2011 WILL BE HELD AT BLENHEIM PALACE. OXFORDSHIRE. FRIDAY 22 JULY - SUNDAY 24 JULY"
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Wheat Yield Update
Field averaged over 10t per ha, peaked at over 15 in valley. Despite there being very little straw maybe yields will hold up.
Wheat Harvest Starts in Wiltshire
28th July 2010 at Cannings Cross
Yield nothing to write home about but a good bushel weight, nice clean plump grains that should go for milling.
Internet Service Providers Accused of Letting Down Rural Communities
The CLA, the rural economy people, said today (28 July) that Ofcom’s report on broadband speeds vindicated the Association’s long-held claim that consumers – particularly rural consumers - are being short-changed.
Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Head of Rural Business Development said: “Customers are not being giving the broadband speeds they are led to expect by the companies providing their internet services. Running a business in the countryside is tough enough without the commercial disadvantage of broadband speeds way below what was promised.”
Dr Trotman also flagged up the issue of surcharges made by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) because of regular use of internet-player services to catch up on missed TV programmes.
He said: “Many people are unaware of the bandwidth limitations set by ISPs and how quickly they can be exceeded by internet-player usage. We are calling for greater clarity from ISPs to ensure customers are fully aware of possible additional charges.”
Dr Trotman added that there were many rural areas that could still not receive broadband, and that the CLA would continue to lobby Government to facilitate broadband for all by 2012.
Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Head of Rural Business Development said: “Customers are not being giving the broadband speeds they are led to expect by the companies providing their internet services. Running a business in the countryside is tough enough without the commercial disadvantage of broadband speeds way below what was promised.”
Dr Trotman also flagged up the issue of surcharges made by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) because of regular use of internet-player services to catch up on missed TV programmes.
He said: “Many people are unaware of the bandwidth limitations set by ISPs and how quickly they can be exceeded by internet-player usage. We are calling for greater clarity from ISPs to ensure customers are fully aware of possible additional charges.”
Dr Trotman added that there were many rural areas that could still not receive broadband, and that the CLA would continue to lobby Government to facilitate broadband for all by 2012.
Game Fair attracts 144,000 visitors (From Evesham Journal)
Game Fair attracts 144,000 visitors (From Evesham Journal): "MORE than 144,000 visitors attended the CLA Game Fair, the world’s biggest celebration of the countryside, at Ragley Hall."“We were blessed with lovely weather, great crowds and an estate which was a joy to work with. Thousands of new people were introduced to the life and activities of the countryside which is one of the main objectives of the show. “ Local committee chairman, David Lodder, said: “Ragley Hall is a fantastic site for the Game fair and I am sure it will become one of the event’s most popular venues. It is easily accessible, the traffic system works well and it offers a well laid out, easy to get around site set against the stunning backdrop of Ragley Hall.”
Saturday, 24 July 2010
BBC News - Villages could get housing development powers
BBC News - Villages could get housing development powers: "The government plans to enable villages in England to build homes without seeking council planning permission.
The Right to Build initiative aims to provide small numbers of affordable homes in rural areas where high home prices are driving people away.
It is part of David Cameron's 'big society' idea of allowing more decisions to be made locally."
The Right to Build initiative aims to provide small numbers of affordable homes in rural areas where high home prices are driving people away.
It is part of David Cameron's 'big society' idea of allowing more decisions to be made locally."
Is it badger-hunting season? - Telegraph
Is it badger-hunting season? - Telegraph: Hardbitten war correspondents, I know, think nothing of being helicoptered in to the sound of gunfire, but it's not normally part of the more pedestrian portfolio of an environmental journalist. But it happened to me yesterday, in what is becoming an annual, if somewhat unnerving, experience.
I shouldn't complain, since although the skies were as leaden as in the best war movies, I was being flown not into darkest Baghdad or the hell of Helmand, but leafy Warwickshire. ....
I shouldn't complain, since although the skies were as leaden as in the best war movies, I was being flown not into darkest Baghdad or the hell of Helmand, but leafy Warwickshire. ....
Don't miss the Gaem Fair
gamefair.co.uk -Opening Times and Ticket Information
Had a great time there yesterday - just didn't have enough time to see it all.
Had a great time there yesterday - just didn't have enough time to see it all.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Woodland Owners Put on Disease Alert
Woodland owners across the South West are being warned to be on the lookout for a deadly disease which is spreading through larch plantations.
The warning comes from the CLA, Country Land and Business Association, who had asked experts from the Forestry Commission to produce a special information sheet on what is now a serious threat to trees and shrubs in the region.
The threat comes from the fungus-like disease Phytophthora ramorum also known as larch die back. The disease was found in larch woodlands in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset last autumn and in the last few weeks suspicious sites have been located in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Wales.
The disease was first found in the UK in a garden centre in 2002 but was, subsequently, found on many ornamental species in gardens before spreading into the natural environment infecting rhododendron, bilberry on moorland, and on a number of tree
species. The disease is spread via spores produced on infected foliage, which can be carried long distances in moist air currents and generally kills the plants it infects.
CLA members have been warned that the infection is now widespread and the Forestry Commission is concerned that, unless they can fell infected trees quickly, the disease is likely to become more extensive and damaging to woodlands and the wider natural environment in the future.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said:” This is a worrying development and it is important that woodland owners take swift and decisive action to contain this disease. We shall be circulating our members warning them to be on their guard and to inspect woods regularly and be on the look out for ginger-coloured foliage and dead or dying branches. This is a notifiable disease if people find it on their property they should contact the Forestry Commission immediately at southwest.fce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or on 01626 890666.”
Mr. Mortimer said that some short-term support for woodland owners has been agreed enabling the Forestry Commission to fund the services of qualified Agents to help plan any necessary felling.
The warning comes from the CLA, Country Land and Business Association, who had asked experts from the Forestry Commission to produce a special information sheet on what is now a serious threat to trees and shrubs in the region.
The threat comes from the fungus-like disease Phytophthora ramorum also known as larch die back. The disease was found in larch woodlands in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset last autumn and in the last few weeks suspicious sites have been located in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Wales.
The disease was first found in the UK in a garden centre in 2002 but was, subsequently, found on many ornamental species in gardens before spreading into the natural environment infecting rhododendron, bilberry on moorland, and on a number of tree
species. The disease is spread via spores produced on infected foliage, which can be carried long distances in moist air currents and generally kills the plants it infects.
CLA members have been warned that the infection is now widespread and the Forestry Commission is concerned that, unless they can fell infected trees quickly, the disease is likely to become more extensive and damaging to woodlands and the wider natural environment in the future.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said:” This is a worrying development and it is important that woodland owners take swift and decisive action to contain this disease. We shall be circulating our members warning them to be on their guard and to inspect woods regularly and be on the look out for ginger-coloured foliage and dead or dying branches. This is a notifiable disease if people find it on their property they should contact the Forestry Commission immediately at southwest.fce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or on 01626 890666.”
Mr. Mortimer said that some short-term support for woodland owners has been agreed enabling the Forestry Commission to fund the services of qualified Agents to help plan any necessary felling.
West Country Goes to The CLA Game Fair - the Big Countryside Event
Thousands of people from the South West are getting ready for The CLA Game Fair, the world's largest countryside event, which takes place at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire this week (Friday 23 – Sunday 25 July).
With almost 1,000 exhibitors and attractions and up to 140,000 visitors expected over the three days, this is the event of the year for anyone and everyone interested in the countryside. Importantly, it also provides local companies from the South West region with an international shop window.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said:” Because The Game Fair is so easily accessible from the South West, we are expecting great support from the region - so we are holding a special lunchtime and early evening reception for our members on the first day of the show in conjunction with the Arundell Arms on their stand in Fisherman’s Village.”
The Arundell Arms has been exhibiting at The Game Fair for over 25 years and proprietor, Adam Fox-Edwards, says it is the most effective marketing they do.
“The CLA Game Fair is far and away the best source of new business for us and a great way of reinforcing our contacts with existing customers – plus it’s a fantastic day out for everybody who comes and we are particularly pleased to be working in partnership with our local CLA.”
The Arundell Arms has just been voted the best sporting hotel in Devon and Cornwall and one of the top in the country.
“We are very thrilled with this award and it will be our main theme at this week’s CLA Game Fair,” he said.
Game Fair visitors will also be treated to a traditional taste of the West Country thanks to the Hand Made Cornish Pasty Company who will be taking one of the region’s best known products to The Game Fair’s Totally Food Show.
“What sets our pasties apart is that we use a traditional recipe with traditional ingredients – it’s a real taste of the past. The CLA Game Fair gives us a fantastic opportunity to market our product and the opportunity to meet customers face-to-face and enjoy some really positive feed back,” said company owner, David Marrison.
Held annually at different prestigious country estates and now in its 52nd year, The CLA Game Fair is firmly established as the leading annual shop window for the countryside. It encompasses all aspects of rural living with exhibitions, features, displays, championships and competitions.
The CLA Game Fair presents a unique three days of fantastic entertainment with a multitude of have-a-go opportunities for people of all ages to watch and participate in.
Have-a-Go is the theme which runs through out the hundreds of acres where visitors will have the chance to try activities which range from clay shooting, archery and 4 x 4 driving to dog training, laser combat, hands on falconry, mountain boarding and quad bikes. Add to this international level competition in Spey casting and gundogs plus a major equestrian section, Hooked on Horses, gardens, art and antiques and the Totally Food Show, and The Game Fair offers a world class event at a local level.
Full details on these and the many other features and displays that make up The CLA Game Fair, as well as ticket and travel information can be found at www.gamefair.co.uk
With almost 1,000 exhibitors and attractions and up to 140,000 visitors expected over the three days, this is the event of the year for anyone and everyone interested in the countryside. Importantly, it also provides local companies from the South West region with an international shop window.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said:” Because The Game Fair is so easily accessible from the South West, we are expecting great support from the region - so we are holding a special lunchtime and early evening reception for our members on the first day of the show in conjunction with the Arundell Arms on their stand in Fisherman’s Village.”
The Arundell Arms has been exhibiting at The Game Fair for over 25 years and proprietor, Adam Fox-Edwards, says it is the most effective marketing they do.
“The CLA Game Fair is far and away the best source of new business for us and a great way of reinforcing our contacts with existing customers – plus it’s a fantastic day out for everybody who comes and we are particularly pleased to be working in partnership with our local CLA.”
The Arundell Arms has just been voted the best sporting hotel in Devon and Cornwall and one of the top in the country.
“We are very thrilled with this award and it will be our main theme at this week’s CLA Game Fair,” he said.
Game Fair visitors will also be treated to a traditional taste of the West Country thanks to the Hand Made Cornish Pasty Company who will be taking one of the region’s best known products to The Game Fair’s Totally Food Show.
“What sets our pasties apart is that we use a traditional recipe with traditional ingredients – it’s a real taste of the past. The CLA Game Fair gives us a fantastic opportunity to market our product and the opportunity to meet customers face-to-face and enjoy some really positive feed back,” said company owner, David Marrison.
Held annually at different prestigious country estates and now in its 52nd year, The CLA Game Fair is firmly established as the leading annual shop window for the countryside. It encompasses all aspects of rural living with exhibitions, features, displays, championships and competitions.
The CLA Game Fair presents a unique three days of fantastic entertainment with a multitude of have-a-go opportunities for people of all ages to watch and participate in.
Have-a-Go is the theme which runs through out the hundreds of acres where visitors will have the chance to try activities which range from clay shooting, archery and 4 x 4 driving to dog training, laser combat, hands on falconry, mountain boarding and quad bikes. Add to this international level competition in Spey casting and gundogs plus a major equestrian section, Hooked on Horses, gardens, art and antiques and the Totally Food Show, and The Game Fair offers a world class event at a local level.
Full details on these and the many other features and displays that make up The CLA Game Fair, as well as ticket and travel information can be found at www.gamefair.co.uk
Thursday, 15 July 2010
CLA ‘Shocked’ by Broadband Delay
The CLA said today (Thursday, 15 July) it was “shocked and disappointed” by the Government’s decision to extend the target for providing universal UK broadband coverage by three years.
In a speech to the broadband industry, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that the Government would no longer be able to meet the Universal Service Commitment of two megabits per second by 2012, because of insufficient funding.
It has set a new target of achieving the Universal Service Commitment within the lifetime of this Parliament – due to end in 2015.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: “This setback comes at a time when rural Britain is desperately in need of effective and affordable broadband. It will seriously compromise some areas of the rural economy.
“Without universal broadband it will become far harder for rural business to compete effectively with businesses in urban areas - many of which already have access to far faster speeds than two Mbps.
Mr Hunt made the surprise announcement at a conference today organised by Broadband Delivery UK - but Mr Mortimer said it appeared that the Government had failed to appreciate how broadband could act as a fundamental driver in propelling the UK out of its current financial situation.
“This potential will be jeopardised if we have to wait an additional three years before everyone can gain adequate broadband coverage. In his speech, Mr Hunt claimed the increased use of Government services online could save at least £1 billion - yet the one fifth of people living in rural areas who have no broadband access will be unable to access these services.”
In a speech to the broadband industry, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that the Government would no longer be able to meet the Universal Service Commitment of two megabits per second by 2012, because of insufficient funding.
It has set a new target of achieving the Universal Service Commitment within the lifetime of this Parliament – due to end in 2015.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: “This setback comes at a time when rural Britain is desperately in need of effective and affordable broadband. It will seriously compromise some areas of the rural economy.
“Without universal broadband it will become far harder for rural business to compete effectively with businesses in urban areas - many of which already have access to far faster speeds than two Mbps.
Mr Hunt made the surprise announcement at a conference today organised by Broadband Delivery UK - but Mr Mortimer said it appeared that the Government had failed to appreciate how broadband could act as a fundamental driver in propelling the UK out of its current financial situation.
“This potential will be jeopardised if we have to wait an additional three years before everyone can gain adequate broadband coverage. In his speech, Mr Hunt claimed the increased use of Government services online could save at least £1 billion - yet the one fifth of people living in rural areas who have no broadband access will be unable to access these services.”
Rural homes: why dairy farms are the cream of the country property market - Telegraph
Rural homes: why dairy farms are the cream of the country property market - Telegraph
The truth is that any dairy farm now coming to the market is more than 50 per cent likely to be bought by non-farmers. “City boys, people who have always wanted to own land, conservationists, anyone wanting a nice house with 100 or 200 acres, will be waiting to buy,” says Robin Gould, a buying agent with Prime Purchase. “It is sad because dairy farms make up the very fabric of the countryside in this part of the country.”
Old dairy farms seduce with contours and greenery. “Arable tends to be prairie and is only liked by farming people,” Gould says. “But small sheep and dairy farms have the prettiest land.”
People turn to them because there are not enough set-piece country houses to buy. “Each village around here has one big house and one vicarage but no other secondary houses, so the next step is the farmhouse. They are often rambling, thatched and make wonderful family homes,” he says.
Interest from buyers comes at a time when working farms, which have thrived in the South West for centuries, are declining fast. As the country’s milk production shrivelled, so the number of dairy farms contracted by 46 per cent between June 1997 and August 2009.
“The new buyers may be non-farmers but they are interested in the countryside,” Gould says. “They will replant the hedgerows, might have a fun family shoot and enjoy the acres as a big back garden. The first thing they do is set up a tenancy arrangement with a neighbour to farm it in the way they want.”
Hampshire and Oxfordshire long ago lost their dairy farms and those that remain in Wiltshire are being bought by “lifestyle farmers”.
The truth is that any dairy farm now coming to the market is more than 50 per cent likely to be bought by non-farmers. “City boys, people who have always wanted to own land, conservationists, anyone wanting a nice house with 100 or 200 acres, will be waiting to buy,” says Robin Gould, a buying agent with Prime Purchase. “It is sad because dairy farms make up the very fabric of the countryside in this part of the country.”
Old dairy farms seduce with contours and greenery. “Arable tends to be prairie and is only liked by farming people,” Gould says. “But small sheep and dairy farms have the prettiest land.”
People turn to them because there are not enough set-piece country houses to buy. “Each village around here has one big house and one vicarage but no other secondary houses, so the next step is the farmhouse. They are often rambling, thatched and make wonderful family homes,” he says.
Interest from buyers comes at a time when working farms, which have thrived in the South West for centuries, are declining fast. As the country’s milk production shrivelled, so the number of dairy farms contracted by 46 per cent between June 1997 and August 2009.
“The new buyers may be non-farmers but they are interested in the countryside,” Gould says. “They will replant the hedgerows, might have a fun family shoot and enjoy the acres as a big back garden. The first thing they do is set up a tenancy arrangement with a neighbour to farm it in the way they want.”
Hampshire and Oxfordshire long ago lost their dairy farms and those that remain in Wiltshire are being bought by “lifestyle farmers”.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Monbiot doesn't approve of farming deregulation
Monbiot.com � Sending Off the Ref: "The government has now set up a task force to deregulate the farming industry(4). Farming is the major cause of the loss of biodiversity in the UK. It is one of the two top causes of water pollution. It has the highest rates of death and injury of any industry in this country(5). Now the industry has been asked to police itself.
The chair of the task force is the former director general of the National Farmers’ Union. His deputy is a senior NFU official. The rest of the task force is composed of another farmer, three corporate executives, a county council official and … well this is where it gets interesting. The eighth member, the government tells us, is “a Nuffield Scholar who has been involved with developing an animal welfare scheme”(6). In reality he is yet another farmer, who supplies milk to Sainsbury’s. This selective citation suggests dishonesty on the part of Caroline Spelman’s food and farming department. The last member is the head of public affairs at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. This group purports to protect wildlife, but it runs fox snaring courses(7) and gives advice on setting spring traps to catch smaller predators(8). There is no one on the task force representing rural workers, and no one outside the industry seeking to defend the landscape or the wider environment, water quality or animal welfare."
The chair of the task force is the former director general of the National Farmers’ Union. His deputy is a senior NFU official. The rest of the task force is composed of another farmer, three corporate executives, a county council official and … well this is where it gets interesting. The eighth member, the government tells us, is “a Nuffield Scholar who has been involved with developing an animal welfare scheme”(6). In reality he is yet another farmer, who supplies milk to Sainsbury’s. This selective citation suggests dishonesty on the part of Caroline Spelman’s food and farming department. The last member is the head of public affairs at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. This group purports to protect wildlife, but it runs fox snaring courses(7) and gives advice on setting spring traps to catch smaller predators(8). There is no one on the task force representing rural workers, and no one outside the industry seeking to defend the landscape or the wider environment, water quality or animal welfare."
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Rural broadband: a new model for connecting the countryside? - Telegraph
Rural broadband: a new model for connecting the countryside? - Telegraph: "The rural Kent village of Iwade may be setting a trend for rural areas by organising its own broadband, using a grant from the county council to unlock investment from BT"
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Farmer jailed after tractor trailer caused driver's death - Scotsman.com News
Farmer jailed after tractor trailer caused driver's death - Scotsman.com News: "Appearing before Lord Doherty in Edinburgh again today, Clark was jailed, and disqualified from driving for three years. He will only be allowed back on the roads if he passes an extended driving test at the end of the ban.
The court heard today that Clark has a 'genuine desire' for the circumstances of the accident be publicised widely to warn other farmers.
Mr Reid, a tree surgeon who lived with his partner in Dulnain Bridge, Grantown on Spey, was heading to a golf outing in his pick-up truck when the accident happened.
Clark was towing an empty nine-metre-long 'articulated flatbed semi-trailer' along the A95 to his farm at Nethybridge.
The crash happened as the two men approached a corner from opposite directions.
As Clark negotiated the bend, the trailer he was towing disconnected from his tractor. It slid across the carriageway and collided with Mr Reid's truck."
Examinations found that the trailer and a "dolly converter" which linked it to the tractor were in a poor condition and had a series of defects. Notably, the trailer's braking system was not working.
The court heard that Mr Reid's partner, Jennifer Petrie, and his parents were left "devastated" by their loss.
Passing sentence, Lord Doherty said the degree of culpability was "significant".
He said: "This is truly a tragic case. In this case anything other than a custodial sentence would not sufficiently recognise the seriousness of the offence.
"I've had regard to the gravity of the dangerous driving and the tragic consequences which it had."
He took into account his previous good character and lack of previous convictions.
The judge told Clark: "You have demonstrated genuine remorse.
"You have also demonstrated a genuine desire that the circumstances of this accident be widely publicised so as to alert farmers to the dangers which arose here and to their responsibilities."
The court heard today that Clark has a 'genuine desire' for the circumstances of the accident be publicised widely to warn other farmers.
Mr Reid, a tree surgeon who lived with his partner in Dulnain Bridge, Grantown on Spey, was heading to a golf outing in his pick-up truck when the accident happened.
Clark was towing an empty nine-metre-long 'articulated flatbed semi-trailer' along the A95 to his farm at Nethybridge.
The crash happened as the two men approached a corner from opposite directions.
As Clark negotiated the bend, the trailer he was towing disconnected from his tractor. It slid across the carriageway and collided with Mr Reid's truck."
Examinations found that the trailer and a "dolly converter" which linked it to the tractor were in a poor condition and had a series of defects. Notably, the trailer's braking system was not working.
The court heard that Mr Reid's partner, Jennifer Petrie, and his parents were left "devastated" by their loss.
Passing sentence, Lord Doherty said the degree of culpability was "significant".
He said: "This is truly a tragic case. In this case anything other than a custodial sentence would not sufficiently recognise the seriousness of the offence.
"I've had regard to the gravity of the dangerous driving and the tragic consequences which it had."
He took into account his previous good character and lack of previous convictions.
The judge told Clark: "You have demonstrated genuine remorse.
"You have also demonstrated a genuine desire that the circumstances of this accident be widely publicised so as to alert farmers to the dangers which arose here and to their responsibilities."
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