Down to earth advice for Cornwall's farmers at Helston event
10 May 2012 03:09 PM
Farmers in Cornwall are being invited to a free event hosted by the Soils for Profit Project to find out about new techniques and equipment that can help to improve the management of their soils, manures and nutrients.
The free workshop is being held at Wood & Franchis Farms near Helston on Tuesday 15th May. The aim is to provide practical advice on how farmers and land managers can improve productivity and make savings on expensive inputs.
The event will run from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. Registration will start from 6.00pm. Refreshments will be provided.
Places are limited. To book a place at the event please call 01270 616808 or e mail: ddalton@promar-international.com.
The Soils for Profit Project is managed by Natural England in partnership with the Environment Agency. The project provides advice and support to farmers on ways in which farm profits and the environment can both benefit from improved soil, manure and nutrient management. The project recently celebrated its 2,000th registration for a free on-farm advisory visit and has already held more than 150 group events across the South West.
Helston is renowned for Loe Pool, the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, which is reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur. It has also been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its rare plant and wildlife species, including the Cornish subspecies of the Sandhill Rustic moth. It is also an important haven for overwintering birds.
Emma Heller, Soils for Profit Adviser for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “This event will provide a valuable opportunity to look at the soils in the area, discuss local farming issues and explore practical ways to improve the profitability of farm businesses which can also benefit the delicate environmental balance in and around areas of special significance such as Loe Pool.
‘‘The event will include expert speakers who will explain and demonstrate the latest farming technology, including machinery and equipment. By attending this event, farmers will be able to further develop their techniques for managing their soils, manures and nutrients more precisely.’’
Rural Focus adviser, Lyn Sanford, will be providing information about the Resource Efficiency for Farmers project which covers energy, water and inorganic waste management on farms and which is running alongside Soils for Profit.
Jeremy Clitherow, Natural England’s Lead Adviser for the Loe Pool and Lizard area, adds, “The way farmers manage their land in the catchment is vital to help ensure that the best use of valuable nutrients is made for crop growth. The advice from Soils for Profit and the opportunity to enter their land into Environmental Stewardship options to reduce loss of nutrients from the land are a key part of us working together to improve the wildlife value of the Pool”.
There will also be an opportunity to register for a free Soils for Profit advisory farm visit. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attendees.
For further details on this Farming More Precisely event please see Natural England's farm event information or the SWARM Knowledge Hub website
Soils for Profit Project
The Soils for Profit Project is one element of the South West Agricultural Resource Management (SWARM) initiative. It is open to all farming businesses in the region with over 5 hectares of land. SWARM is designed to help farmers have more profitable and resilient businesses by managing their soils, manures and nutrients more efficiently whilst reducing the impact of their activities on the environment.
For further information (media enquiries only) please contact:
David Hirst, Natural England press office on 0782 7821679 or david.hirst@naturalengland.org.uk