As I write this it has been very dry but, with the Bedfordshire YFC rally coming up at a site that’s been a wash out in the past, we need to be a little careful what we wish for!
I do hope to see you there or at one of the other many events coming up over the next month or so.
Beds & Hunts County Update
We held another county update meeting following NFU Council meeting in April. Nigel and Freya explained the work being done on members' behalf by the NFU and discussions had at Council including the passing of the Norfolk water abstraction resolution. This really demonstrated the democratic process that enables grass roots members to influence the decisions and direction the organisation takes.
Our speaker for the evening was NFU Environment and Land Use Adviser Rob Wise, who spoke about the recently launched Land Use Framework and also what we do, and don’t know about the new SFI scheme.
The next county update meeting is on 23 June and we are looking to make this a farm walk. Details are still to be confirmed but pop the date in your diary.
Alistair Strathern MP barn meeting
Andrew Foster is very kindly hosting a barn meeting with MP for Hitchin, Alistair Strathern at 10am on 5 June at Polehanger Farm SG175LH. You should have received an invite for this already, it is a great opportunity for Alistair’s constituents to raise issues they have either locally or in terms of national policy.
Tempsford New Town consultation meeting
The New Towns Taskforce has published its final report, recommending 12 sites for the building of new towns in England. This includes the building of over 40,000 new homes in the Tempsford area. The government is consulting on these plans, with the consultation closing on 19 May. The latest information shows the area on which they’ve completed an environmental impact assessment extending as far east as Gransden, south to Potton.
We held a member meeting in Tempsford on 6 May to allow members to share their views and help inform the NFU consultation response.
The NFU has serious concerns that the construction of these new towns will have a significant impact on the British countryside and rural communities. We are calling for transparency and for productive farmland to be protected wherever possible. You can feedback directly here.
East West Rail consultation
East West Rail currently has an open consultation and has been hosting events along the route to engage with local residents and businesses. It closes on 9 June and we are in the process of arranging a date for a member meeting to discuss the NFU consultation response. Look out for further details.
Find out more about the consultation.
Rural crime
Inspector Janine Graham is the new RCAT (Rural Crime Action)) inspector, alongside her current role leading community policing in Central. With over 24 years of policing across the county, Inspector Graham brings a wealth of knowledge from a variety of roles.
The RCAT team says it looks forward to her leadership as it continues working with rural communities to tackle crime, protect livelihoods, and keep our countryside safe.
Beds Connected
RCAT will be at the rally on 16 May asking farmers to sign up to Beds Connected, which will allow the rural team to communicate more effectively with you about the matters that are of interest to you.
You will be able to securely message them when necessary and even include photos, CCTV footage etc.
Please do take advantage of this great opportunity to increase communication between the police and the agricultural community.
Pig keepers
The RCAT team is aware that local activists aim to support Animal Rising in potential action against pig farms. If you have pigs please contact the RCAT team for further details and advice. The NPA has additional information for members.
If you’re not an NPA member let me know and we can get the information to you. There is also NFU advice around animal activists.
View our latest events schedule
As ever, please do get in touch with me if you have any concerns or suggestions. [email protected], or phone 07825 685798.