Your Warwickshire county NFU update

Nick Watts

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY ADVISER

We kicked off the month by joining the Warwickshire Police Rural Crime Team at Rugby Livestock Market, talking to any members who were getting advice from the officers present about issues being faced around the county.

The rural crime team is looking into attending the market on a more regular basis.

Political proceedings

We held an MP meeting with Sir Jeremy Wright, representing Kenilworth and Southam constituents, hosted by the Evans family. The subjects discussed ranged from red diesel and the spiralling cost to farmers, defining agricultural classification of land, HS2 land disposal and the existing rules. We also covered mental health in agriculture and the need to discuss the subject more openly.

We also had various meetings with Warwickshire County Council from local food miles and the importance of this being part of the new council strategy, to Local Nature Partnerships and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Arrow Valley Solar project

Island Green Power is bringing forward proposals to develop a new solar and energy storage project across South Warwickshire and East Worcestershire.

Arrow Valley Solar would connect approximately 500 megawatts of renewable energy, as well as battery storage facilities capable of storing up to 250 megawatts of electricity until it is needed.

You can see details of the land affected on this map.

YFC rally

As I write this, we are gearing up for the County YFC Rally which will be held on Saturday, 9 May. Remember – if the next generation want to get involved with the NFU, Student and Young Farmer membership is free

Health & safety events and County Quiz

We had two very successful health and safety event recently. Thanks to Southfields Farm and John Plumb for hosting the first, and Moreton Morrell College for hosting the second.

Hopefully everyone picked up some useful advice to help stay safe on the farm.

A date for your diary is the County Quiz on 28 May, 7pm, at NFU HQ Stoneleigh. The cost is £10 per person, with the maximum number of people in a team being six. Food is included but bring your own drinks. To book please contact: [email protected]

Until next time, stay safe!

Stay connected: join the NFU Warwickshire WhatsApp group

Join our county WhatsApp group to keep up to date with the latest news and events.

Surveys and questionnaires

Water Resources West - Environmental Destination Workshops

Water Resources West are partnering with local water companies to hold a series of Environmental Destination Workshops.

The events are focused on requirements set out in the National Framework for Water Resources, which includes protection for rivers and in some cases reduced abstraction.

Each water company's water resources team is building a baseline picture of each catchment, what water is available now, who uses it, and where rivers may be under pressure. This helps identifies where abstraction may need to change and where there may be chances to support river habitats.

To get this right, a mix of practical solutions is required, and your input matters.

Farming businesses' local knowledge and day to day experience can highlight issues and options that don’t show up in the data. The workshops will help confirm what’s happening on the ground, test realistic water options, spot opportunities to improve river habitats and shape partnership projects that fit local priorities. By working together, changes can be planned that protect rivers while supporting the businesses and communities that rely on water.

•    Worcestershire Middle Severn, 9 July,
•    Severn Vale, 8 July,
•    Warwickshire Avon, 16 July.

If you cannot attend your local workshop you can also share your local knowledge through the contact forms on each catchment page, your insights will help build a more accurate and informed picture of each catchment.

Book onto your local catchment workshop

Event

Warwickshire Quiz Night

This years quiz will take place on 28 May at NFU HQ, Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LG raising funds for RABI.

Doors open at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.

Cost is £10pp payable on the night (max team of 6 people) - food included in the cost but please advise of any dietary requirements when booking. Please bring your own drinks.

To book please email: [email protected]

Start date

28 May 2026 at 7:00pm

End date

28 May 2026 at 10:00pm