First in-depth deer census highlights need for increased culls
Researchers drove more than 1140 miles at night and used thermal imaging and night vision equipment to quantify the population of roe and muntjac deer in a unique study spanning the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. The results, published today in the Journal of Wildlife Management, show for the first time that present management efforts […]
The VI reaches agreement on way forward for water protection
The Voluntary Initiative (VI) has signed a working agreement with the Environment Agency confirming that voluntary measures are the preferred way forward when it comes to meeting the pesticide requirements of the Water Framework Directive. VI Chair Richard Butler said: “The government has made it clear that it is looking for partnerships rather than red […]
Clear criteria needed for bioenergy sustainability
Urging MPs to think about how we measure and define the sustainability of different types of biofuels when considering the subsidy proposals under review today [06 March] Charlotte Morton, chief executive, ADBA said: “Renewable energy needs to be sustainable to have credibility and justify public support. “We need to be able to compare different forms […]
Kendall’s call for environmental cuts will let down farmers
The RSPB has responded to Peter Kendall’s speech at the NFU Conference in Birmingham today, by highlighting the need for support for wildlife friendly farmers. Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, said: “Mr Kendall says that farmers can do more for the environment than regulation. “He is right about farmers being able to do a huge […]
ADBA responds to RHI announcement
Welcoming today’s [27 Feb] announcement on the future of the Renewable Heat Incentive and committing to working with government to resolve remaining issues, Charlotte Morton, chief executive, ADBA said: “We are pleased that government has published its response to this consultation on the Renewable Heat Incentive. “In discussions with ADBA this week, DECC officials have […]
Energy Crops Scheme-application deadline alert
Natural England is alerting farmers that they need to get any application for new agreements under the Energy Crops Scheme submitted by Saturday August 31st this year. Applications from land managers or their agents must be in by this date for new agreements to start by the end of December 2013. The aim of the […]
At what cost a solar harvest?
During a debate in the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee about the challenges of renewable energy (20.02.13), Stuart Agnew, the UKIP MEP and spokesman on agriculture has highlighted the “scandal” of Peterborough City Council’s plan to take 900 acres of prime agricultural land out of food production and replace it with solar panels. Speaking to fellow […]
Expert alert – UEA climatologist Dr Clare Goodess warns of future farming challenges
University of East Anglia climatologist Dr Clare Goodess will warn of the challenges facing farmers in decades to come at a farming conference today. She predicts a trend towards warmer conditions with “more hot and very hot days” which she says may offer new opportunities. But the variability of rainfall from season to season will […]
Biomass is key to bridging the energy gap
Responding to the comments of Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of Ofgem, the Back Biomass campaign has said biomass must form a vital part of the UK’s future energy mix, helping to meet potential shortages and cope with plant closures. Paul Thompson, Head of Policy at the Renewable Energy Association, said: “Ofgem has warned the UK […]
