Herefordshire Rural Hub January 2016 Newsletter Herefordshire Rural Hub Agriculture House Beech Business Park Tillington Road Hereford, HR4 9QJ Tel: 01432 268 428 Event bookings Tel: 01432 353 465 Co-ordinator Cathy Meredith Mobile: 07970 181628 [email protected]Administrator Frances Keogh [email protected]Hub Directors Christine Hope (Chair) Cathy Meredith Chris England Russell Carrington Hub Hot Group The Directors and ….. Richard Collins Ben Corbett Catherine Every Charlotte Gibb Heather Gorringe Rachel Jones Frances Keogh Andy Offer Hub Hot Group Observers Jenny Beard Rachel Carr Colita Dainton Clare Greener Peter Jinman Nick Read Visit the Rural Hubs Partnership website for details of events in Herefordshire & Shropshire www.ruralhubspartnership.co.uk You can also follow us on twitter@Hfds_RuralHub Disclaimer The Herefordshire Rural Hub accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from any action taken in reliance on the information contained in this newsletter. In order to help us reduce our costs, if you currently receive this newsletter by post, but are able to receive it by email (every month), then please contact Frances by phone or email. Who we are … Farm Herefordshire is a group of organisations and networks that actively supports the farming and land-based sector in Herefordshire through promotion of best practice, training and advice. Herefordshire faces challenges in meeting the phosphate targets of the River Wye’s Special Area of Conservation. All industries, including agriculture, will be expected to reduce their phosphate contributions proportionally. Farm Herefordshire is supporting the agricultural industry to do this by promoting the benefits of: Well managed yards and manures Responsible nutrient use Proactive stock management Healthy organic matter levels Maintaining soil cover Good soil structure Buffers alongside watercourses We are very grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner of West Mercia for sponsorship of this newsletter with a grant from the West Mercia & Warwickshire Rural & Business Crime Fund For further information email: [email protected]or telephone: 01432 268428 Farm Herefordshire for profitable farming, healthy soils and clean water Christmas is a special time of year, meeting up with family and friends, enjoying great food in company. So please extend the joy of the season to everyone around you. Merry Christmas from all at Herefordshire Rural Hub
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Herefordshire Rural Hub January 2016 Newsletter
Herefordshire Rural Hub Agriculture House Beech Business Park Tillington Road Hereford, HR4 9QJ
Hub Directors Christine Hope (Chair) Cathy Meredith Chris England Russell Carrington
Hub Hot Group The Directors and ….. Richard Collins Ben Corbett Catherine Every Charlotte Gibb Heather Gorringe Rachel Jones Frances Keogh Andy Offer Hub Hot Group Observers Jenny Beard Rachel Carr Colita Dainton Clare Greener Peter Jinman Nick Read
Visit the Rural Hubs Partnership website for details of events in
Disclaimer The Herefordshire Rural Hub accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from any
action taken in reliance on the information contained in this
newsletter.
In order to help us reduce our costs, if you currently receive this newsletter by post, but are able to receive it by email (every month), then please contact Frances by
phone or email.
Who we are … Farm Herefordshire is a group of organisations and networks that
actively supports the farming and land-based sector in Herefordshire through promotion of best practice, training and advice.
Herefordshire faces challenges in meeting the phosphate targets of the River Wye’s Special Area of Conservation. All industries, including agriculture, will be expected to reduce their phosphate contributions proportionally.
Farm Herefordshire is supporting the agricultural industry to do this by promoting the benefits of:
Well managed yards and manures
Responsible nutrient use
Proactive stock management
Healthy organic matter levels
Maintaining soil cover
Good soil structure
Buffers alongside watercourses
We are very grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner of West Mercia for sponsorship of this newsletter with a grant from the West Mercia & Warwickshire Rural & Business Crime Fund
For further information email: [email protected] or telephone: 01432 268428
Farm Herefordshire
for profitable farming, healthy
soils and clean water
Christmas is a special time of year, meeting up with family and friends, enjoying great food in company. So please extend the joy of the season to everyone around you.
Merry Christmas from all at Herefordshire Rural Hub
Are you unsure about details of any rules or regulations or do you need help with understanding record keeping?
Remember that free advice and help is always available from the Green Futures Team – Farming Advice Service, Natural England, CLA, NFU & the Environment Agency. Getting advice and assistance from those that know the details of the rules will help ensure your business stays compliant. You may be cautious about asking for help from a regulatory body such as the Environment Agency, but they are always willing to advise and help you. Herefordshire Rural Hub can help signpost which organisation can help you. Don't hold back from asking for help. It's free and could save your Basic Payment.
Do you need support or do you know someone who may benefit from support:- Farming Community Network helpline 03000 111 999 website: http://www.fcn.org.uk/
Greening guidance for 2016 The guidance is available online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-basic-payment-scheme-bps-rules-for-2016 There is also a printable version which you can save to your desktop or print if you prefer.
The Countryside Stewardship Scheme: Manual: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside-stewardship-manual Terms and conditions: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/448075/cs-terms-and-conditions.pdf
Registering Your Waste Exemptions Online https://www.gov.uk/register-your-waste-exemption-online
Cross Compliance guidance for 2015 (inc GAECs and SMRs) and Soil Protection Standards 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cross-compliance-guidance-for-2015
Greening Guidance for 2016 - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-basic-payment-scheme-bps-rules-for-2016
HSE - Using Tractors Safely –A step-by-step guide – download a free copy This revised step-by-step guide to tractor safety (formerly “Tractor Action”), is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. Click on the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg185.htm
National Minimum Wage Rates: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Workplace Pensions / Auto Enrolment: From 1 June 2015 – April 2017 businesses employing less than 30 staff will be
required to offer a work place pension under the auto enrolment scheme. Starting dates will advised by the Government & will give you plenty of notice to plan/find out about the scheme. Details about your start date can be found by visiting www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers/staging-date.aspx Further information is available from the Government Website: www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions-employers
EIA (Agriculture) regulations: apply to make changes to rural land How to request an Environmental Impact Assessment screening decision and if necessary, apply for consent to cultivate previously uncultivated land or semi-natural areas, or restructure land features. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eia-agriculture-regulations-apply-to-make-changes-to-rural-land
Catchment Sensitive Farming - CSF Water Grant reminder The requirements for taking photographs for the Water Grants have changed and many items now require a “during”
photograph to be taken as well as a before and after as have been the case in the past. Please check the specifications carefully and remember to take the photo’s at the correct stages of the work as these will need to be sent in with the claim. Claims that
do not have the correct photographic evidence may not be paid, and this applies to all water grants approved in 2015. If in doubt please ring your Catchment Sensitive Farming officer
Wayne Davies Tel: 01588 640 980 or James Griffiths Tel: 0300 060 0608
Debate on Energy and Climate Change: “What is the future of energy in the UK” 8th January 2016, 7.30pm, at The Rankin Club, Leominster, HR6 8LR
With Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP – Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd was appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on 11 May 2015.
She was the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change from July 2014 until May 2015. She was elected Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye in 2010.
This evening will follow a question and answer format. Tickets for the debate are £10 to include a finger buffet
and can be booked through the North Herefordshire Conservative Association Office in Leominster Tel: 01568 612565 or Email: [email protected]
Herefordshire Grassland Society - “UK Sheep Farming – where do we go from here?” Tuesday 12th January, 7.30pm, at the New Market Canteen, Livestock Centre, Roman Rd, Hereford, HR4 7AN
With Phil Stocker (Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association) To book, please contact Andrew Edwards on 01432 356 161 or email [email protected]
Tea & coffee is served before the meeting, and light refreshments after. This meeting is kindly sponsored by Brightwells
12th January is also the Silage Competition Judging day & Results night – kindly sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers
Herefordshire Cover Crop Safari Tuesday 26th January 2016 at 10.30am
at Chadnor Court Farm, Little Dilwyn, Hereford HR4 8HD, courtesy of Garnstone Estate
Come and see Cover crops growing in the field
The effects on soil structure
Other benefits for your farming system
To book your place please contact Herefordshire Rural Hub Email: [email protected] Tel: 01432 353465
Details of further events will follow in the new year.
Pembridge Buyers Group Meeting with Peter Kendall, Chairman of AHDB Tuesday 26th January, 7pm, at Pembridge Village Hall All welcome
Campaign for the Farmed Environment
LOVE BIRDS?
Then we invite you to get involved in the Big Farmland Bird Count 2016. We are looking for farmers and keen birdwatchers to get involved with the next count which runs from 6th - 14th February 2016. It takes just 30 minutes. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s 2016 Big Farmland Bird Count http://www.gwct.org.uk/farming/big-farmland-bird-count/ is a key way we can showcase the great work being done to provide bird habitat on farm in the county. We are hoping to match-make (well, it is happening in Valentine’s week!) farmers and landowners with birders to help us make this count as effective as possible.
If you’ve got some birds to count or need a local birder to help with the survey please contact Caroline Hanks 01981 251016 / 07779 080940 caroline.hanks@farming 4wildlife.co.uk
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What’s best for Herefordshire hedgerows ? The hedgerow life-cycle and practical hedgerow management – with Nigel Adams
Thursday 4th February, 7.30 pm at Norton Canon Village Hall, HR4 7BL
Nigel Adams is a hedge layer, sheep farmer and hedge specialist of over 35 years’ experience and brings practical answers to many common questions. He will encourage us to think about how to work within the rules and still have healthy hedges brimming with wildlife:
The history of our hedgerows
Frequency of hedge trimming
How to decide when to restore ?
Are there novel cost effective ways to rejuvenate a hedge ?
To book please contact Herefordshire Rural Hub: Email: [email protected] Tel: 01432 353465
Green Futures 2016 in Herefordshire Tuesday 16th February, at either 2-4pm or 7-9pm
at the New Cattle Market Canteen, Roman Road, Hereford
For full details, and how to book, please see the enclosed flyer
Do you need help with completing your NVZ Records? Another day of NVZ record check sessions has been organised by Herefordshire Rural Hub,
working with the Environment Agency Bring along your own records for help and advice on how to fill them in, or just to have them checked.
Wednesday 24th February 10am till 3pm At Agriculture House, Beech Business Park, Tillington Road, Hereford, HR4 9QJ
If you would like to book in for one of these sessions, and to find out what information you will need to bring along please contact Frances at Herefordshire Rural Hub Tel: 01432 353465 Email: [email protected]
Farm Advice Available in the Lower Lugg Valley If you farm in the catchment of the River Lugg between Leominster and Hereford (or on the Moreton Brook, Wellington Brook or Bodenham Brook) you may like to hear about several projects which are happening in your area - The Wye & Usk Foundation and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust are working together locally to offer free and confidential advisory visits to farms to:
Improve soil structure in arable and grassland fields including 3 free soil tests
Reduce runoff and erosion by breaking pathways
Improve clean and dirty separation in yards including a small grant scheme where possible to support recommendations
Enhance wildlife and watercourse habitats Herefordshire Wildlife Trust is also delivering river restoration projects on this stretch of the river, funded by the Environment Agency as part of their Lower Lugg Living Landscapes project. This work began in January and aims to enhance and improve connectivity of habitats along the river. The farm advisers will be out visiting farms from July, however if you would like to make an enquiry please contact either:-
Craft Courses at Moreton Wood 2016 Give a Wonderful Woodland Craft Course for Christmas! If you would like to buy a voucher for any of the 2016 Courses at
Moreton Wood to give to someone for Christmas contact Jo or Paul on 07920 851 674, [email protected]
Feb 20th & 21st - Chair Seating with Natural Rush - £150
March 19th & 20th - Wild Basket Making - £150
April 16th & 17th - Wild Basket Making -£150
14th May - Woven Garden Structures - £80 For more information, to book a place or buy a voucher please contact Jo or Paul on 07920 851 674, [email protected]
Duchy WiRE Group (Women in Rural Enterprise) Duchy Women in Rural Business (the WiRE network group for Herefordshire) is delivering a series of FREE workshops as part of the Faster Women project. Details and booking are through Eventbrite at the link below. Places are filling up fast so act quickly if you're interested....
If you wish to enquire about membership or find out more about the Duchy WiRE Group, please contact Sandy Green Email: [email protected]
or go to the website: http://www.wireuk.org/herefordshire-wire-network.html
Hereford Corn Exchange Fund A charitable trust set up for the benefit of agriculture in Herefordshire
We invite farming enterprises in the county which have entered into a diversification project which commenced since January 2011 to apply for this funding. The total money on offer is £1000.
For entry forms and conditions please contact: Julian Gallimore, The Old Vicarage, Norton Canon, Hereford HR4 7BQ
Telephone: 01544 318146 Email: jgalli@gallimore,me.uk Deadline for entries is 31st January 2016
Destination Management Plan (DMP) for Herefordshire In the current tourism call through Marches LEP RDPE Growth Fund is a priority to develop a Destination Management Plan for Herefordshire. In response to this call, the Herefordshire Sustainable Food and Tourism Partnership (HSFTP – see note below*) have been encouraged and is best placed to bid for and create a unique rural 5 year DMP which draws tourism, farming, food and drink together. HSFTP recognises that, in Herefordshire, food, tourism, culture and heritage offer significant growth potential for the wider economy. The diverse business and community sectors, we represent, are the engines of the local economy woven into the life of thriving and living rural communities of the county. One of the strengths of the partnership is our proven opportunity to communicate at all levels; build relationships; networks and collaborative working with fellow professionals to drive competitive advantage (for example Superfast Broadband) for the rural businesses of Herefordshire. A DMP is an agreed structured process for leading, influencing and co-ordinating shared and integrated management of the key aspects that contribute to a visitor’s experience whilst having due regard for the needs of local residents, businesses and the environment. The aim of HSFTP is, with considerable collaboration and discussion, to develop an authentic, active, workable and sustainable DMP for the county. One which unites and builds upon the existing strengths, knowledge and wisdom; within the business sectors and communities our local and cross border partnerships and networks represent; and which brings new vision and partnership leadership for Herefordshire. This will include creating richer experiences and increasing the appreciation of the landscape, its produce, culture and heritage which encourages more responsible behaviour. We are at stage one of a competitive and potentially drawn out bidding process. Digitalised from the outset HSFTP will be submitting a bid to develop a core document with a suite of reference papers that provides wise growth and a motivated workforce. The quantative indicators for success (economic growth and jobs) will be important; but as important is the overarching concept of the impact PEOPLE (the workforce, visitors and communities) will have on creating the worthwhile added value of hospitality and service that will create the visitor knowledge that Herefordshire is a great place to live and work as well as to visit. *Note: - HSFTP, formed in 2014, at its heart is a coalition of key individuals, organisations and networks committed to providing strategic oversight for the development and delivery of sustainable food and tourism strategies. These include the Duchy of Cornwall, National Farmers Union, Visit Herefordshire, Herefordshire Rural Hub, the Rural and Farming Network, Herefordshire Council and the Bulmer Foundation and private businesses,. This “core group” has met every two months during the year and is augmented by a wider reference group and task and finish groups, as needed. Administrative support has been provided by Herefordshire Rural Hub, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Bulmer Foundation. Co-chairs are David Curtis (Duchy of Cornwall) and Jenny Beard (tourism interests).
What will the LEADER Programme do? The main objective is to create jobs and economic growth by supporting rural businesses. The programme themes are:
Support for micro and small enterprises, including farm diversification
Support for rural tourism
Support for increasing farm productivity
Support for increasing forestry provision
Provision of rural services
Support for cultural and heritage activities Who can apply? - Project applications will be eligible from:
Micro businesses (0-9 employees) and small businesses (10-49 employees)
Qualifying micro and small farming and forestry businesses
Social enterprises
Voluntary organisations
Community groups
Parish councils based in rural Herefordshire How will I know if our project is eligible? LEADER funding contributes to around 40% of total project costs. Cash match funding will be needed for around 60% of each project. This is a predominantly capital grant programme. Training, skills and running costs are not eligible for funding. Business addresses must be registered in the Herefordshire LEADER area. Each project should read the Herefordshire LEADER Handbook please follow link to our webpage for further details of eligible and ineligible costs: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/leader What outputs could my project achieve? An output is a measurable assessment of performance and success. The main outputs for the programme are: a) Jobs created & b) Businesses or holdings benefitting How much can we apply for? Projects may be eligible for a grant of £2,500 up to a maximum of normally £35,000 to fund specific activities. Higher grants may be awarded to projects demonstrating exceptional output levels.
Herefordshire LEADER programme 2015 – 2020 Contact the team on 01432 383023/39 or email [email protected] Full details are on the website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/leader
If you are interested in attend any of the following courses please register your interest with Paula: Felling Small Trees (NPTC or Lantra), NPTC PA4s and PA4g
Equipment requirements: Telescopic loaders, Counterbalance Forklifts, Cherry Picker & Scissor lifts, Working at Heights (including tower scaffold) and Mini Digger etc.
All your Health & Safety requirements: Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work, De-fib, Health & Safety in the Workplace, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness and Fire Marshall
Training Courses for Level 2 Certificate in the Safe Use of Pesticides – Replacing Grandfather Rights Venue:- Holme Lacy Campus, Holme Lacy, Hereford, HR2 6LL
Don’t forget These qualifications only allow you to spray on your own land Unit 3 (Operating Machines to Apply Pesticides to own land) does not cover you for Hand-held Pesticide Application
Unit 1 – Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides on own land (Mandatory unit) 1 day + assessment
12th January 2016
Unit 2 – Hand-held Pesticide Application on own land 1 day + assessment
14th January 2016
Unit 3 – Operating Machines to Apply Pesticides to own land 1 day + assessment
13th January 2016
For more information and to book on to the above courses please contact Eve Weller at Herefordshire & Ludlow College on Tel: 01432 365 318 Email: [email protected]
Wyvern Training Services
Cider Apple tree pruning 4th January 14th January
Much Marcle Ledbury
Rough Terrain Telehandler refresher/experienced - 1 day
5th January 11th January 18th January 19th January
Llangrove Harewood End Withington Ross on Wye
Rough Terrain Telehandler novice/inexperienced - 2 days 18th – 19th January t.b.c
Operating sit-astride ATV refresher/experienced – 1 day 7th January 14th January
Hereford Llangrove
Chainsaw CC & M refresher/experienced 8th January 26th January
Eldersfield Marsh t.b.c
Lift Truck Industrial Masted novice/inexperienced – 2 days 11th – 12th January Much Marcle
Lift Truck Industrial Masted refresher/experienced – 1 day 12th January 10th February
Ross on Wye Much Marcle
PA6 Knapsack/Handheld Sprayers 13th January Hereford
Manual Handling awareness (1/2 day) 15th January Hereford
PA1 Safe Use of Pesticides 20th January Hereford
First Aid at Work – 3 day (West Mids Ambulance Service) 20th – 22nd January Storridge
Chainsaw basic felling up to 200mm – 2 days 28th – 29th January t.b.c
PA3a Air Assisted Sprayers 3rd February t.b.c
LANTRA Rodent Control 4th February t.b.c
Emergency First Aid at Work 4th February Sutton St Nicholas
Site Safety Awareness on Farms 8th February 9th February
Harewood End Bosbury
“Leading Your Team” management workshop 11th February Sutton St Nicholas
Currently planning New Year training events including:
Safe and effective use of Aluminium Phosphide for control of moles, rabbits and rats
Fruit “advanced technical” workshops with Graham Moore – Cherries/Apples/Soft fruit
As always, if you don’t see the course that you are looking for please contact us via any of the usual methods – if we aren’t running it we can usually find someone who is!
Message from Police Inspector Bob Barnett - West Mercia Police During December I updated you on scams and home security. Into 2016 I shall continue with the same theme. Prevention is better than replacement! Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team can arrange a free crime prevention survey to help you better protect your belongings. To find details of your local team please go to: - https://www.westmercia.police.uk/article/2110/Herefordshire-policing-area and put your post code in. Each Team has different ‘surgery’ events across their areas. Check the web site - we are offering free property marking events. In December your local police continued their work to target offenders. Operation Nightingale patrols in the countryside have linked in with local gamekeepers and farmers to continue our drive to reduce rural crime. This year’s drink drive campaign saw an increase in people arrested for drink and drug driving offences. Remember it’s at least a 12 month ban from driving and norma lly a re-test in order to drive again. Could you Volunteer? West Mercia Police are currently recruiting a number of volunteers to a wide variety of roles. For more information contact me at: - [email protected] January also sees the launch of our Citizenship Academies. For more information contact Sergeant Emma Freer on: - [email protected]
The Police continue to need your help to tackle crime and its effects on us all. If you see something that you think isn’t right, it’s
probably not! THINK….. You can also call anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111. This month we have seen a re-emergence of distraction scams at supermarkets. A picture paints a thousand words so….
Last month I updated you on telephone scams. With depressing regularity we see older residents getting these calls and handing over card details or indeed transferring cash to another account. NO ONE IN A BANK OR THE POLICE WILL TELEPHONE YOU AND ASK YOU TO DO THIS! If you are concerned about a call, ring us (numbers above) and we can give you advice. Also with the information you give us try and catch these fraudsters.
Watch Schemes - We are also working with partners to launch ‘Face Watch’ – this works very well in business parks or retail areas. If you are interested in setting up your own or joining a watch in your area or indeed just want more information, then Paul can be contacted by email at: [email protected] or telephone 01905 727402.
Finally I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2016.
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Herefordshire Rural Hub – Classified Page
If you would like to place an Advert,
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for full details of the advertising packages on our Herefordshire Rural
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Did you know Berrys is the only firm of Chartered Surveyors in Herefordshire with a
resident Chartered Town Planner?
Contact us today for expert help with all of your planning needs.
www.berrybros.com
Hereford office – 01544 598080
P – phone 999 only if .... O – offenders are nearby L – life is at risk I – injury caused or threatened C – crime is in progress E – everything else call 101
