Your Hampshire & Isle of Wight county NFU update

The South Downs National Park (SDNP) Authority is currently advertising several opportunities to join the South Downs Local Access Forum.

The Forum is an independent statutory advisory body that provides advice to the National Park Authority, Government and other public bodies on matters relating to public access to the countryside within the South Downs National Park.

SDNP is particularly interested in hearing from people with experience or knowledge of the following areas:

• Landowner / land management
• Forestry / farming
• Equestrian access
• Heritage
• Blue infrastructure / waterways

Further information, including the role profile and application form, is available here:

Opportunity to join the South Downs Local Access Forum

The deadline for applications is Friday 21 August.

Completed application forms should be returned to [email protected].

Southern Water has announced a temporary use ban (hosepipe ban) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, in response to critical river levels in the River Test.

For full details, please visit the Southern Water website: Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) - Southern Water

A student from Sparsholt college is looking for an apprenticeship placement in either Hampshire or ideally on the IOW.  The student is 18 years old and is open to working in any sector, but would prefer animals.  Due to the nature of the apprenticeship, this is a 4 day week on farm and 1 day at college. 

If you are looking for an apprentice please contact Thea - [email protected] 

Hampshire and the IOW police are looking for volunteers to become animal dispatch officers.  

Are you passionate about animal welfare and committed to maintaining the highest standards of humane practice? 

Later this year, the force will be opening applications for new volunteers to join our Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) Scheme in Hampshire—an opportunity to play a vital role in safeguarding animal welfare while supporting your local community.

Why Join the HAD Scheme?

The Humane Animal Dispatch Scheme brings together skilled, responsible individuals who are dedicated to ensuring that animals are treated with dignity at all times, particularly in difficult or emergency situations. Volunteers within the scheme provide a crucial service—responding promptly when humane dispatch is required, helping to prevent unnecessary suffering.

By becoming a HAD volunteer, you will:

• Contribute directly to animal welfare in your local area
• Use your skills and experience in a meaningful and responsible way
• Work as part of a respected and professional network
• Support ethical countryside management and emergency response efforts

 This is more than a voluntary role—it is a commitment to compassion, professionalism, and public service.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals with proven experience and the right qualifications to maintain the high standards expected of the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold the DMQ HAD Award
• Hold an Open Certificate on FAC (Firearms Certificate)
• Possess a full UK driving licence
• Hold both FAC & Shotgun certificates
• Have previous experience in animal dispatch

These requirements ensure that all volunteers are fully prepared to carry out humane dispatch safely, legally, and effectively.

For those who may not yet hold the required qualification, there are several upcoming opportunities in Hampshire to obtain the DMQ HAD Award, including:

• 24th June 2026 or 14th August – (One Day Course) - Humane Animal Dispatch Certificate Assessments – BASC – Events and Courses
• 13th July or 13th September (One Day Course) - Book Online | Orion Wildlife

The Role of a HAD Volunteer

As a HAD volunteer, you may be called upon to respond to a variety of situations where humane dispatch is necessary. This requires:

• Calm decision-making under pressure
• Strong practical skills and sound judgement
• A clear understanding of animal welfare principles
• Respect for legal and safety frameworks

Volunteers operate with professionalism and sensitivity, often in challenging circumstances, and their contribution is highly valued by both the community and partner organisations.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

If you already have the qualifications and experience listed above, this is your opportunity to be part of a scheme that has a genuine and lasting impact. Your involvement will help ensure that animals in distress are dealt with swiftly and humanely, reflecting the highest standards of care.

Apply Later This Year

Recruitment for new HAD Volunteers in Hampshire will open later this year. We encourage all eligible individuals to consider applying and joining a dedicated network committed to responsible animal welfare.

Keep an eye out for further details and application guidance—you could soon be making a difference when it matters most.  Or for further information please contact, county advisor, Tom Peters.

The Hampshire Forest Partnership is starting to plan for the Winter 2026/27 tree planting season and are inviting Expressions of Interest for tree planting projects we may be able to support by providing FREE trees, hedgerow whips, orchard trees, and disease-resistant elms. 

To help the Hampshire Forest partnership  plan effectively, we encourage all interested parties to complete the Expression of Interest form, those who register will be among the first to be contacted once funding is secured and tree availability is confirmed. Last winter, the partnership supported a wide range of Hampshire parish councils, community groups, farmers, and landowners. 

If you are considering a tree planting project or similar express your interest with the Hampshire Forest Partnership.

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

Waste exemptions have changed recently.  The Environment Agency (EA) can now ask for these documents on waste exemptions on EA inspections.  This came into force on April 1st 2026. 

This reform is part of a broader consultation the EA (Environment Agency) conducted on charge proposals, which also addresses fees related to waste crime and updated hourly rates.

The aim is to improve regulatory oversight, ensure environmental protection, and make the system more cost-effective for the EA.

The reforms introduce charges for waste exemptions, impacting a wide range of operators, including farmers. As part of this process, the NFU reviewed the proposals and gathered feedback from members to inform its response.

Charges will be paid at the point of registration or renewal.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has been developing a proposal for a wild beaver release on the Isle of Wight since 2021. The proposed release area focuses on the Eastern Yar and Wroxall Stream catchments, where conservation organisations collectively manage over 600 hectares of wetlands. The Trust has been engaging with riparian landowners, farmers, and local stakeholders over the last three years through workshops, site visits and a steering group. Following the legalisation of wild beaver releases in March 2025, the project has now been invited by Natural England to submit a full licence application for a proposed 10‑year programme. 

In Hampshire, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission established the first Hampshire Beaver Advisory Group in 2024 in response to beavers naturally dispersing along the Hampshire Avon and nearby tributaries. The group brings together key stakeholders and statutory bodies to share information, coordinate local understanding and consider county specific issues, particularly relating to sensitive habitats such as chalk streams and the New Forest. The Advisory Group does not manage beaver releases or provide operational support, however, it acts as an important coordination forum. As beavers continue to expand naturally, the group is expected to support the development of local Beaver Management Groups and help build capacity within catchment partnerships. This work will align with the forthcoming National Beaver Strategy, which is currently being co‑designed by Natural England, the Environment Agency, Defra and national stakeholders.