Maureen Hodges

Carlisle

Farming and Rural Affairs Editor at News & Star

Farming and Rural Affairs Editor at The Westmorland Gazette

breaks farming news in Cumbria. All views expressed are my own.

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Articles

Major risk of 'catastrophic wildfires' on Cumbria's moorland fells

2 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

3 1/1 EXPERTS are warning there is a major risk of 'catastrophic' wildfires engulfing swathes of Cumbria's moorland fells, including the Lake District which would put lives at risk. They state that wildfire poses a significant threat to the stunning Lake District which attracts 18 million visitors each year to enjoy its rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Two appointments at Carlisle-based H&H Group Plc

3 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Scott Donaldson & Robin Anderson TWO strategic appointments have been announced by Carlisle-based H&H Group Plc. Robin Anderson, current Head of Farmstock Operations for Harrison & Hetherington, will take up the role of Managing Director,. while Scott Donaldson will move into the newly created role of Group Director for H&H Group Plc. Both Scott and Robin are to take up their new positions with immediate effect.
'People need to be told the truth about what is happening to our upland farms'

3 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

5 1/1 THE iconic sheep who wander the fells and the shepherds who still ply their ancient trade by tending to their needs and keep are fast disappearing from the Cumbrian landscape, it is claimed. Instead the close-cropped upland fells, the gateway for thousands of walkers, are being ‘destroyed’ and replaced with rough scrubland and coarse grasses.
Calls for Defra budget transparency after SFI closure

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

3 1/1 A CUMBRIAN university professor claims there could still be money in the agricultural pot and calls for more transparency from Defra after they closed the door to new applications for its key green farming funding scheme. .Julia Aglionby, Professor of Practice University of Cumbria and Executive Director Foundation for Common Land said that according to her calculations there is still around £400m in the agricultural budget.
Iconic hill sheep fleeces receive royal touch

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Adam Day meeting His Majesty The King TWO hill sheep fleeces from the Cumbrian fells, including the iconic Herdwick, were presented to His Majesty The King this week by the Farmer Network, one of the Country's leading farmer support organisations. The network had been invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty. He is Patron of the Royal Countryside Fund which supports several farm support organisations including the Network.
Nominations still open for prestigious Cumbria Farmer Awards

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

TIME is running out to nominate yourself or someone you know who is deserving of the crown of Cumbria Farmer Awards 2025. Cumbria Farmer Awards, launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership for the third year running with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, celebrates the very best of the county’s farming by recognising and rewarding innovation, hard work and passion for agriculture. The awards, which celebrates its fifth year, is thrilled to announce our host for the 2025 ceremony is Adam Day.
Defra delivers 'another shattering blow' to farmers

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

2 1/1 SMALL family farms in Cumbria will lose out on Government cash for nature-friendly farming, MPs have warned after the closure of a flagship payments scheme. Described as "another shattering blow' Defra announced without warning that it was no longer accepting new applications for the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) scheme as of Tuesday, because it had allocated its budget for this year's scheme.
Borderway UK Dairy expo returns to Carlisle with top cows

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

THE spotlight will be on all things dairy with thousands expected at this year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo taking place today and tomorrow. Renowned Cumbrian herds will be among those who will be competing for the red ribbons at the event taking place tomorrow and Saturday in Carlisle. “This event is not just about showcasing the very best in dairy livestock but about ensuring the future of our industry.” Is the message from Harrison and Hetherington’s Dairy Sales Manager Glyn Lucas.
A vigilance call comes from farm chiefs after FMD outbreak in Hungary

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

UK bans livestock imports from Hungary and Slovakia after foot-and-mouth outbreak (image: Pixabay) FARM chiefs reacting to the worrying news of a confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary are urging producers to remain vigilant. This is the second confirmed case in Europe in recent months, and marks Hungary's first reported case in 50 years. The disease was officially detected on March 7, at a cattle farm in north West Hungary, close to the Slovakian border.
Volunteers flocking to aid iconic bird's recovery

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Diana Clarke (Left)and Thalia Sparke (Image: Supplied) THE iconic call of the curlew for generations has been associated with the start of spring. Sadly, the curlew is one of the country's most rapidly declining breeding bird species. But in Cumbria, volunteers are now flocking to a project whose aim is to bring these birds back from the brink.