Data from NFU Mutual prompts rural road safety warning

Claims data from rural insurer NFU Mutual shows that last year collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties were 42 per cent more likely in this period of the year than in any other months.

More police help in fighting rural crime

An extra police officer has been recruited to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service’s (NaVCIS) agricultural vehicle unit to boost its fight against rural crime.

Pig farmers alerted to spike in animal activist incursions

“We have a lot more CCTV out there than we used to have, but my concern is that when farmers are literally on their knees we will get another exposé, which is something we really don’t want. We are trying to support people and keep them vigilant.”

Breaches of English farm pollution laws rise as rules remain largely unenforced

Exclusive: violations of farming rules for water last year reached highest level since legislation was introduced

New project to look at impact of rural crime on farmers

The impact of rural crime in the UK and what it means for farmers is the focus of new research being conducted by Harper Adams University.

Keep dogs on short leads to protect ground-nesting birds say Wildlife Trusts

Dogwalkers are being urged to keep their pets on a short lead to help protect ground-nesting birds in wild places this spring and summer.

Survey: Dog owners fail to tell farmer following sheep attack

Less than 5% of sheep farmers receive direct contact from the owners of dogs that have been involved in an attack on their livestock, a new survey says.

Gun licensing shambles in England

“For the farmers and shooters who are doing it for a living, it can be pretty frustrating because, obviously, they can’t go without buying ammunition, for example.”

Owners reminded to keep dogs under control as we near end of lambing season

As we near the end of lambing season, with young lambs out in the fields, dog owners are being reminded to keep their animals under control around sheep and other livestock.

Great British Pea Week returns for seventh year

During the eight-week British harvest, farmers work in unison around the clock to harvest, shell and transport the peas from field to frozen as quickly as possible – with many making it to the factory and through the freezing process in under two and a half hours.

BASC expels members for wildlife crime and firearms offences

BASC has expelled for life two members convicted of wildlife and firearms offences. The expulsions follow a long-established disciplinary procedure.

Bird flu: Free range eggs no longer available in UK

This means that eggs from hens temporarily housed in barns for their welfare can no longer be marketed as free range.

MPs to debate petition relating to badger cull

MPs will debate badger culling next week after more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling for an end to the controlled shooting of badgers.

Banks given tips on tackling $23bn illegal wildlife trade

A guide to help the world’s banks spot transactions linked to the illegal trade in wildlife has been launched in the UAE.

Dog attacks on livestock cost farmers £1.5m in 2021

A survey of 1,207 dog owners found almost three-quarters (73%) now allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside – up from 64% a year ago.