New european rules over battery hens have angered UK famers
NEWS
Poultry famers in crisis talks with European commission
New European rules outlawing the keeping of egg-laying hens in battery pens have prompted farmers to convene a crisis meeting with European officials, amid concerns that the livelihoods of many producers could be at risk. The new rules, which come into force next year, are concerned that several EU countries will not obey them, leading to British eggs being less competitive than their European counter parts. With over 14 million egg-laying battery hens in Britain, farmers are arguing that their readiness to comply with the new law will leave them seriously disadvantaged. The knock on effect of this compliance could force the price of British eggs up by a couple of pence, leading to large retailers and food manufactures to source their eggs from non-compliant EU countries.
Stag beetles love of ginger
A study suggests that the stag beetles’ love of ginger could be a key element within the country’s attempt to conserve the insect. Through the use of ginger-baited traps, researchers have been able to gain an accurate picture of the beetles’ abundance within certain areas. The discovery, the result of boredom on a rainy day, acts as a method to monitor the species’ numbers, hopefully leading to its listing as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (Bap). After a sharp decrease in numbers over the past four decades, the new findings give hope to the conservation of Britain’s largest known terrestrial beetle.
Rise in flood risk could lead to uninsurable homes
The insurance industry has warned that government spending cuts in flood defences could lead to a rise in both flood risk and uninsurable homes and businesses. Those living near rivers and the coast could face losing up to 40 per cent of the value of their homes due to the uninsurable nature the high flood risk brings with it. The insurance industry currently has an agreement with the government – due to run out in 2013 – committing it to provide cover for customer, if flood risk is properly managed. However, the current proposed cuts to flood defences and management could lead to more than one million homes and 300,000 businesses uninsurable.
EVENTS
Marsden Moor walk, West Yorkshire. 15 January
Venture around the breath-taking scenery during a 10 mile hard walk along the west and north boundaries of Marsden Moor Estate. Beginning at Marsden Railway Station at 10am, the free walk encompasses part of the 6,000 acre Moor Estate before ending at 4pm. Booking not needed. Make sure to wear suitable boots and warm clothing. Due to the changeable weather it is advised to bring waterproofs. For more information phone 01484 847016
Turn back time in Derbyshire. 15 January
The yearly Derbyshire Archaeology Day allows residents and visitors to the Peak District to hear about the latest discoveries and findings from the areas past. Featuring talks from numerous local archaeologists, the day allows local people to gain an insight into the areas history whilst keeping up with all the latest finds. Run at the Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre between 9.15pm and 5.15pm, the event brings together the Peak District National Park Authority and the Derbyshire County Council archaeological teams, as well as the Chesterfield Borough Council. Tickets are £10 (£6 for the unwaged) and are expected to sell out, so booking is strongly advised. Contact 01246 345727 or at Chesterfield Museum, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TD for more detail and to book.
Inspired by the recent “Stargazing Live” programme, spend your Saturday evening gazing into the glorious night sky within the spectacular location of the Sherborne Estate. With telescopes provided and members of the Cotswold Astronomical Society on hand to guide your journey through the sky, the free event is the perfect beginners introduction to Astronomy. Gates open at 6pm with the event itself running between 6.30 and 8.30pm. Last admissions 8pm. Children and assistance dogs welcome. Bring a small torch to aid with the dark paths and make sure to dress warmly and wear sensible shoes. Booking not needed. For further information contact Mark George on 07887 633201, mark.george@nationaltrust.org.uk
Wassailing – various locations. 15 January.
Wassailing, the blessing of trees in orchards for a fruitful harvest is a popular New Year event. Join local communities in the waking and blessing of many orchids across the country. Make sure to warp up warm and wear sensible shoes. There are a variety of wassailing events across through out the country this weekend. Prices and times vary.
- Saltram House, Plymouth: 6 – 8.30pm. Price: Adult £6.50 / Child £3. Booking essential. For further information and booking contact 01752 333503, saltram@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, Devon: 7 – 9.30pm (Gates 6.30pm). Free admission. Booking not needed. For more information contact 01822 853607, bucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
- East Devon Jurassic Coast – Branscombe: 6 – 8pm. Price: Adult £3 / Child £2. Booking not needed. Phone 01752 346585, sue.beegan@nationaltrust.org.uk
- The Courts Garden, Holt, Wiltshire: 4 – 7pm (Last admission 6.30). Price: Adult £10 / Child £5. Booking essential. For more information call 01225 782875 and to book email, thecourtsgarden@nationaltrust.org.uk (only accepting email bookings)
- Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire: 2 – 4.30pm (Gates 10.30am). Free event (standard admission prices apply). Booking not needed. For more information contact 01280 822850, stowegarden@nationaltrust.org.uk
- The Fleece Inn, Worcestershire: 6 – 11pm. Free admission. Contact 01386 831173, thefleeceinn@nationaltrust.org.uk
http://www.countryfile.com/feature/country-matters/news-and-events-10-16-january
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