January

The GWCT are reminding all farmers, land managers and gamekeepers of important changes to licensing arrangements for pest control in England which came into effect on 1st January.

On the face of it, we should welcome the research published in Science that improved crop performance can be achieved in hard soils through gene modification. Whilst soil compaction does restrict crop yields, the solution is more complex than to just adapt plant genetics. Soil health is in decline generally and compacted soils cause a number of environmental problems too.

Farmer Time is an ongoing connection, where the farmer and their class link up for fortnightly video calls looking at what is happening on the farm and how it relates to the school curriculum.

The response of some conservation NGOs to the news that Defra has given emergency authorisation of a neonicotinoid seed treatment for sugar beet in 2021 has been scare-mongering and emotive. In our view Defra’s decision is proportionate – and here is why.

GWCT Wales Director Sue Evans will be sharing the key findings from a new report into what game shooting means for Welsh people and the countryside at an online event taking place on Thursday 21 January.

Hen harriers in England have just enjoyed their best breeding season in three decades but beating last year’s record of 60 chicks, from 24 nests.

Readers of The Field might have seen a letter by longstanding GWCT member John Clements this month, calling on everyone to do their bit for the GWCT.