I am writing to you during what can only be described as a crisis for parts of our farming community. This is a local issue, affecting many farms and rural businesses to the north of Hereford, but its impact reaches much further. It threatens our property, our livelihoods, our security and the wellbeing of farming families across the area.
You will all be aware of the number of fires that have affected fellow farmers this summer, many of which have now been confirmed as acts of arson. Following further incidents over the 22-23 August weekend, there has been a remarkable response from local farmers and members of the rural community, who have come together to address this very serious situation.
Tireless efforts
I would like to thank farmer and fellow firefighter Nick Baker for his tireless efforts throughout the summer in helping to tackle these fires, as well as for establishing the new Barnfire Watch WhatsApp group. The group is already proving invaluable in sharing information quickly and helping to keep our rural community safer. My thanks also go to Nick's firefighting colleagues, who have worked tirelessly in exceptionally challenging conditions to deal with wildfires, accidental fires and, increasingly, deliberate acts of arson.
Meeting with police
I would also like to thank Burt Thomas, who swiftly organised an emergency meeting with West Mercia Police at Norton Canon. I was honoured to chair the recent meeting which was attended by almost 100 farmers from across Herefordshire. While the reason for gathering was deeply concerning, it was heartening to witness the strength, unity and resilience of our farming community at a time of crisis.
The meeting was attended by John Meek and Inspector James Ashton of West Mercia Police, alongside NFU County Chairman Will Watkins and other local and regional NFU representatives. The police were open and candid in their discussions with us and shared information in confidence. Members can be reassured that identifying and apprehending those responsible is now a major priority for both the local and regional force, with significant resources being dedicated to the investigation.
What can you do to help?
The answer is simple: intelligence is vital. Every report helps build a clearer picture, establish patterns of behaviour and strengthen the evidence available to investigators. If you witness suspicious activity, please report it and record it through Neighbourhood Matters.
For more urgent concerns, please call 101, and if you witness a crime in progress, dial 999 immediately. Even information that may seem insignificant can prove valuable when combined with other reports and intelligence.
Members may also wish to consider additional farm security measures. The police have recommended the use of mobile-connected surveillance cameras that can provide alerts directly to your phone and record footage when activated. These can be particularly effective for monitoring hay barns, grain stores and other vulnerable locations. NFU members may be able to access discounts on selected products through the NFU member benefits portal.
Reward for information
A significant topic of discussion at the meeting was whether to establish a reward to encourage information from the wider public. It was agreed that a reward of £10,000, payable upon a successful conviction, would be an appropriate level of incentive.
If you would like to register an interest in contributing to this reward fund, please contact Alec Bond at the Hereford NFU office on 01544 230578.
The events of recent months have demonstrated both the vulnerability of our rural communities and the strength that exists when we stand together. I am confident that, by continuing to support one another, sharing information and working closely with the police, we can help bring those responsible to justice.
Thank you for your vigilance, your support and your commitment to protecting our farming community.
Yours sincerely,
Owen Whittal, NFU Hereford North Chair