Author Archives: Ben Eagle

Cold, bright weather – a perfect time for walking

It looks as if we are heading into a spell of cold and bright weather here in the west country. Especially at this time of year it provides a wonderful climate for walking and I intend to make the most of it this weekend, heading out to the Mendips for a ramble. Exact destination notContinueContinue reading “Cold, bright weather – a perfect time for walking”

Conservation 21: the ‘new’ conservation strategy for the 21st century

Last month, Natural England published their new strategy (available here). In essence, many of the things included within it have been said before, either by them or by the environmental NGOs. However, it comes as a breath of fresh air to see everything in a single NE document, and one that gives us a clueContinueContinue reading “Conservation 21: the ‘new’ conservation strategy for the 21st century”

What’s the future for Oil Seed Rape?

It won’t come as a shock to many to hear that the year thus far has been incredibly warm and dry, particularly in the south and east of the UK. Back in September, Gravesend in Kent faced temperatures of 34.4 degrees celsius, the hottest September day in more than 100 years. Other areas have sufferedContinueContinue reading “What’s the future for Oil Seed Rape?”

Scottish Farmers, Brexit and Subsidies

Scotland’s population is about 5.4 million people, or 8% of the UK total. However, Scottish farmers receive 18% of the UK’s overall common agricultural policy funding, including 85% of the less favoured area payments. They face the prospect of immense uncertainty and a huge shake up of the industry over the coming years. At the topContinueContinue reading “Scottish Farmers, Brexit and Subsidies”