Your Hampshire & Isle of Wight county NFU update

National Farm Attractions Network - lambing events guidance 

Lambing time is one of the most exciting times of the farming year and welcoming visitors onto farms to experience the magic of new life is a fantastic way to connect the public with British farming.

The National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN), want to help farmers deliver wonderful lambing experiences while keeping everyone safe and healthy.

We all know that when things go wrong, the consequences can be far-reaching. As well as the enormous stress of visitors becoming ill, there is the reputational damage to the farmer and business.  The impact doesn't stop at the farm gate. Negative publicity can affect the whole industry, undermining public confidence and discouraging families from visiting other farms. Safe and successful lambing events are good for everyone.

That's why we've made a range of FREE practical guidance and easy-to-follow videos available to all farmers.

These resources include the Safe Lambing Guide, the Industry Code of Practice (ICoP) and three helpful videos packed with practical advice on preparing for and running safe lambing events, including how to protect visitors from the risks associated with animal contact.

We'd love your help in spreading the word.  Please could you share these FREE resources with your members.

All the free guidance and videos can be found here:- https://nfanuk.com/aaa-scheme-icop

Whether it's a small lambing open day or a larger visitor event, good preparation and simple precautions can make all the difference.

Safe Lambing Events mean healthy, happy visitors and happy farmers too!

And if you're thinking it's a little early to start talking about lambing safety, please be assured it really isn't!  The earlier farmers hear about the ICoP and the steps they need to take, the more time they have to prepare. Last year, we heard from so many farmers who told us, "I wish I'd known about this earlier".  So this year we're making sure they do!

Many farmers across the Hampshire Avon catchment will recently have received letters from the Environment Agency regarding actions being requested through the Hampshire Avon DWPP.

To help farmers better understand the information provided, the Environment Agency is holding a series of engagement events across the catchment. These sessions will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the EA about the programme, understand what the requests mean for your business, and ask questions about the evidence, requirements and next steps.

Given the level of interest and concern surrounding the DWPP proposals, we would encourage affected farmers to attend one of the sessions where possible.

Upcoming Events

• 10 November, 13:30-15:30 – Stratford Sub Castle Village Hall
• 18 November, 14:00-16:00 – Dinton Village Hall
• 20 November, 10:00-12:00 – Dinton Village Hall
• 23 November, 10:00-12:00 – GWCT Office, Fordingbridge
• 27 November, 14:00-16:00 – Pewsey Town Hall

These meetings are your opportunity to seek clarification directly from the Environment Agency and better understand how the proposals may affect your farm and business.

The Isle of Wight SME Fund is designed to support local businesses looking to invest, grow and improve productivity.

Previously known as the Isle of Wight Rural SME Fund, the programme has been expanded to support eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Island. Building on the success of earlier rural funding initiatives, the fund aims to help businesses invest in their growth, improve efficiency and create new opportunities for the local economy.

The Isle of Wight SME Fund offers capital grants of £5,000 to £50,000 to help eligible Isle of Wight businesses invest, innovate and grow.

Funding is available for capital investment projects that improve productivity, support business expansion, and create or safeguard jobs. This could include investment in equipment, machinery, premises improvements and other eligible business assets.

Grants are awarded through a competitive application process, and applicants must provide a minimum of 50% match funding towards project costs.

Projects that can demonstrate wider economic benefits and additionality, extending beyond the direct benefits to their own organisation, will score more strongly during the assessment process. Priority will be given to proposals that create lasting value and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the Island.

Apply by 5pm on 31st December 2027

2 November: Alton & Petersfield Branch AGM at The Roastery, Manor Farm, West Worldham, 6.30pm. A chance to see the film Derek vs Derek.

18 November: North Hampshire branch AGM at Test Valley Golf club. 6pm start. 

24 November: Isle of Wight, county annual open meeting, 6pm at Harvey Browns Paul Tompkins, NFU Deputy President will address members. 

1 December: Hampshire county annual open meeting at South Winchester golf club, 6pm. Tom Bradshaw, NFU President, will address members. 

7 December: Hampshire YFC AGM, Sparsholt College.

9 December: FCN Farmwell event, a panel discussion and supper. Hurstbourne Tarrant Community Centre.

Please be aware that there have been increased reports of thefts of Land Rovers in recent weeks, please be vigilant and let your friends and neighbours know.

We are particularly hearing of activity in the Ropley/Four Marks/Alresford areas of East Hampshire but of course this does not mean incidents are isolated.

It seems criminals have a particular appetite for “older Defenders” and the Discovery 4, Land Rover models.

Please do report suspicious vehicles and activity and of course, downloads the “Eyes On” app the which alerts rural communities at the palm of your hand of suspicious activity and crime reports.  The app also allows you to report crime.

EyesOn - Hampshire & IOW police

 Please speak to your county advisor if you need any assistance. 

The Environment Agency has begun writing to a small number of farmers on the Isle of Wight after using aerial imagery to identify field manure heaps that may have remained in the same location for more than 12 months within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). Ten advisory letters were issued recently, with further work planned in the future.

The letters are intended to provide advice and guidance on NVZ requirements, which include moving field heaps at least every 12 months. The Environment Agency has indicated that the imagery is being used to identify potential areas of interest rather than to determine compliance on its own.

Farmers receiving a letter are encouraged to review the location and management of field heaps, check relevant NVZ requirements, and seek advice if they are unsure of their obligations.

This work is currently taking place on the Isle of Wight and the Environment Agency has advised that it will keep the NFU informed of any future activity.

We’d like to share a new briefing from The Wildlife Trusts that members may find useful, particularly those farming alongside beavers.

The document focuses on how farmers can prepare for beaver presence, with practical guidance and considerations to support planning and decision making.

If this is relevant, you can access the briefing below