Your Dorset county NFU update

If you have been affected by rural crime, please make sure you report it through Dorset Police's specialist Rural Crime Portal. Using the dedicated reporting system helps ensure your concern reaches the Rural Crime Team, allowing incidents to be investigated appropriately while also helping to build a clearer picture of rural crime across Dorset.

The portal can be used to report a wide range of offences, including the theft of vehicles, fuel, tools or GPS equipment, equine crime such as stolen saddles, livestock theft or livestock worrying, damage to historic monuments, illegal metal detecting, and any other rural or heritage crime.

Every report matters. Even if an incident seems minor, the information you provide can help police identify patterns, target resources and prevent further offences in rural communities.

Thursday 27 August: Melplash Show: Join us on the NFU stand at Melplash Show, located alongside the Main Ring. Alongside other stand activities, we will be hosting a round table event with MP for West Dorset, Edward Morello at 2.30pm.

Saturday 5 / Sunday 6 September: Dorset County Show: We're delighted to be welcoming NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins to the stand for a members' reception at 2pm on Saturday, where he will provide an update on how the NFU is working on the key issues facing Dorset farmers.

NFU members can also claim a 10% discount on pre-ordered tickets using the code NFUDCS26. We hope to see you there. 

Wednesday 9 September: Back British Farming Day

Thursday 10 September: NFU Mere & South Wilts and East Dorset Harvest BBQ (contact Salisbury & Wareham Agency to RSVP)

Friday 2 October: Meeting with Vikki Slade MP at Sherford Farm, Morden by kind permission of David Green (constituency invitations to follow)

Thursday 8 October: Dorset NFU Management Team meeting & Member farm walk (details to follow)

Thursday 15 October: An evening with Minette Batters in conjunction with the Cattistock Hunt at Coastland College, Kingston Maurward Campus from 7pm (RSVP to [email protected])

Wednesday 11 November: County Annual Open Meeting, The Dorset Museum (open to all - details to follow)

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme provides grants to both farmers and land managers within the Dorset National Landscape to support projects that; enhance nature recovery and biodiversity; help tackle and adapt to climate change; improve public access and understanding of the rural heritage and support sustainable and nature-friendly farm businesses.

The project must also help to deliver a minimum of one of the Dorset National Landscape Management Plan Priorities, the full details of which can be found on the website. 

Since 2021, FiPL has invested £3 million in 220 projects across Dorset supporting climate, nature, people and place outcomes. Visit the website to learn more about eligibility, funding windows, payment rates and the application process.

The Environment Agency (EA) has asked us to share the following update with members regarding recent activity in the Poole Harbour catchment and more broadly across Dorset.

Following catchment walkovers undertaken in April and May, the EA has identified a number of areas they would like to highlight to farmers, with the aim of supporting improvements in land use and farm practices.

Livestock Access and Watercourses
The EA have noticed across the catchment there has been an increase in animals accessing watercourses. They wanted to remind farmers that under Farming Rule for Water FRfW this should be minimised where possible and watercourses should ideally be fenced.

Livestock entering rivers can contribute to water quality issues, including increased nutrient loading. The EA are encouraging farmers to prioritise measures to reduce direct access, bank damage and deposition.

Maize Cropping on Slopes and Near Watercourses
The EA has also highlighted concerns around maize being grown in higher risk fields. Again under FRfW it is advised to use measures to mitigate soil run-off during the growing season and after harvest

They have indicated that these fields will be monitored post harvest and are encouraging farmers to consider practical steps to reduce soil loss, such as establishing or increasing uncultivated margins or installing sediment traps.

Members may wish to refer to Regulation 10 of The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018 for further detail.

Any queries around this information please contact [email protected]

Farm Watch is a community-led initiative designed to reduce rural crime and protect farms, equipment, and livestock. Similar to a neighbourhood watch, it encourages farmers, landowners, and rural residents to work together, share information, and report suspicious activity. By creating a strong network, Farm Watch helps deter theft, vandalism, and other crimes that threaten livelihoods.

Members receive alerts about local incidents, crime trends, and security advice, often through text messages, emails, or social media. This rapid communication ensures everyone stays informed and can act quickly to safeguard property. Farm Watch also collaborates with local police, improving response times and increasing the chances of recovering stolen goods.

Joining Farm Watch is simple and highly effective. It strengthens community ties, promotes vigilance, and provides peace of mind. For members, it’s an essential step toward protecting valuable assets and maintaining a safe environment.