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Rural RapHOW KENT’S WOODLANDS ARE BOUNCING BACK, BUT THE BATTLE TO SAVE THEM MUST CARRY ON
In Kent broadleaved woodland – that’s basically anything that isn’t coniferous forest – has continued to increase in recent decades, now covering around 30,381 hectares of the county, compared with 26,355 hectares in 1990.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT STUDENTS AND STAFF QUESTION FAIRNESS OF VEGAN-ONLY PROPOSAL
University students and staff have questioned the fairness of imposing a campus-wide meat ban that could see 75% of meals wiped off menus.
It was revealed that the University of Kent’s student union has voted overwhelmingly to lobby for all outlets dishing up food to go 100% plant-based.
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TIME RUNNING OUT FOR SHOOTS FOLLOWING DEFRA DECISION BASC WARN
BASC chief executive Ian Bell has told the Daily Telegraph of the crisis unfolding across the English countryside as hundreds of shoots wait to discover if they can release gamebirds this season.
Covering the chaotic decision by Defra to change the GL43 licensing rules at the eleventh hour, the Telegraph heard from several shoots that have been forced into financial turmoil and face closing down.
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21- Year FBT on 480-acre farm up for tender in Greater London
A new Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) opportunity has arisen on the outskirts of the London Borough of Bromley, for 21 years.
BTF Partnership has instructions from the London Borough of Bromley to let one of the major holdings on its agricultural estate to a new tenant for a term of 21 years without breaks.
UK missing climate targets on nearly every front, say Government’s advisers
The government’s plans to hit net zero have been comprehensively criticised in a withering report by its own advisers that says targets are being missed on nearly every front.
At least £4.4bn a year needed for nature-friendly farming, charities say
At least £4.4 billion a year must be invested in nature-friendly farming by the government over the next decade to meet legally binding targets, charities have said.
The funding needs to be directed solely towards agri-environment schemes that will allow the UK to achieve its net zero and nature targets, according to the report.
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Farmers urged to apply to AHDB’s new Beef & Lamb Ambassadors Group
English beef and lamb producers are being encouraged to apply for a national discussion group funded and facilitated by AHDB.
The group, spanning three years, aims to challenge current thinking and encourage the sharing of new ideas within the beef and lamb sectors.
New survey seeks to uncover sheep farmers’ red clover concerns
A new survey is seeking to identify what barriers are preventing sheep farmers from adopting red clover mixed leys.
Independent agricultural consultancy ADAS has launched the online survey as it wants more farmers have the confidence to try red clover.
Why is the UK no longer the destination of choice for European fresh produce?
Compliance and sustainability consultant Jim Jefcoate considers the multiple reasons why the British market has fallen out of favour with some European exporters of wholehead fruit and vegetables.
Ashford and Maidstone and the Weald parliamentary seats to be split up
The number of MPs in the county is to increase by one at the next election, with voters deciding who they want to represent them in 18 constituencies.
A review by the Boundary Commission for England has recommended changes in order to comply with rules that state each constituency must have between 69,724 and 77,062 registered voters, as recorded in March 2020.
Dog owners reminded of responsibilities
Kent Police – Dog owners are being reminded of their responsibilities following recent dog-related incidents in the county and a predicted rise with the summer months upon us.
Drought planning stepped up amid potential hottest June on record
Plans to maintain water supply resilience have been discussed by National Drought Group members amidst ongoing hot and dry weather.
Government seeks views to improve hedgerow protections
Consultation launched to help meet commitment to support farmers to create or restore 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050.
High-energy use businesses urged to claim extra discount on energy bills
Energy-intensive businesses and heat network operators have a month left to apply for government support that could see wholesale energy bills slashed by as much as a fifth.
Landowner Officer role
Making space for Nature Landowner Officer role now available with Kent County Council – details on the role and how to apply.
Dover area aimed at Landowners/ Farmers/ Vets/ Equestrians, etc.
13th July– Minismoor Stables, near Dover
More details.
14th July- Broadlees Farm, Dover
More details.
15th July – Great Watersend Farm, Temple Ewell
More details.
Biddenden Tractor Fest Holden Farm, Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8EZ. what3words ///sizes.mopped.dabbling
19th & 20th August 2023
For full details and tickets
https://www.tractorfest.co.uk/