-
2 months ago | 
8point9.com | John G. Harold |Ffinlo Costain
Article by John Harold, Farm Partnership Officer, PlantlifeAfter decades of neglect and harm, England’s remaining species-rich grasslands are being further depleted. This news comes from Defra, which is, perhaps inadvertently, funding their conversion to herbal leys – temporary grasslands made up of legume, herb and grass species. Species-rich grasslands are the nation’s biggest resource – and government needs to take a strategic approach.
-
Jan 16, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
One hundred hectares of new habitat for rare and threatened wildlife is to be created at RSPB Wallasea Island reserve in Rochford, Essex, the site of Europe’s largest coastal habitat restoration project. RSPB Wallasea Island lies in the confluence of the Rivers Crouch and Roach. In winter, at high tides, it can host well over half of the estuaries’ water birds.
-
Jan 16, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
The Usk Catchment Partnership and 8point9.com are running a webinar on Thursday 6th February at 12pm – How can I keep nutrients on my farm? Topics for discussion:Why should I keep nutrients on my farm?
-
Jan 16, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House is already impacting climate-related decisions taken by leading finance firms. Increasing hostility towards net-zero policies in the US has now forced the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative to suspend its activities after Wall Street companies, such as Black Rock, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, sought to distance themselves from climate-related organisations.
-
Jan 16, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
The Organics International General Assembly (IFOAM) has approved and released a statement “Elevating Truly Regenerative Agriculture – Statement from the Organic Movement”. This statement provides members, partners, and regenerative actors with valuable perspectives from the organic movement on current regenerative initiatives and claims. It serves as both a starting point and an open invitation for dialogue on transformative pathways for agriculture.
-
Jan 15, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
It had been assumed that phosphates, particularly from agriculture, were the primary cause of algal blooms in the Rivers Wye and Usk – however, research has found a more complex web of factors that impact the rivers’ health. ffinlo Costain spoke to Professor Rupert Perkins from Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
-
Jan 15, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
The UK Government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following a case being confirmed in Germany. The import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany will now be banned to protect farmers and their livelihoods. GB health certificates will no longer be issued for animals susceptible to FMD including all live animals and fresh meat.
-
Jan 15, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
A groundbreaking new study, “Governance and resilience as entry points for transforming food systems in the countdown to 2030”, published today in Nature Food, presents the first comprehensive analysis of change since 2000 in key food system indicators. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, said, “This new report reveals a mix of encouraging advancements and concerning setbacks, underscoring the urgency of accelerating food systems transformation.
-
Jan 15, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
Defra has released new guidance on funding and grants available for agroforestry. Land stewards can be paid £1268.08 for creating a plan and maintenance funding is available from the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship. Currently, however, capital payments are unavailable. Agroforestry plan (PA4)Agroforestry plan funding is designed to support land stewards in planning, creating, and the ongoing management of your agroforestry system.
-
Jan 15, 2025 | 
8point9.com | Ffinlo Costain
Water quality in the River Wye catchment will not improve by focussing solely on managing the level of phosphate in the water, a new study shows. The chemical, which finds its way into the river from a range of sources, has been linked to a perceived increase in frequency and severity of algal blooms, which are harmful to the river’s ecology, wildlife, and those using the river for fishing and swimming.
