On Thursday 22nd November, from 10am, James Bretherton of Ag Scope will be at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve on Eycott Hill looking at the nutritional values of upland grasses and how managing species-rich grassland can provide benefits to livestock. He will also discuss soil assessment and prevention of soil erosion. Farmers should come to the Sportsman Inn at Troutbeck CA11 0SG for 10am and will then spend the morning on Eycott Hill, with the event finishing with lunch and discussion back at the Inn. Tea, coffee and soup will be provided but please book your place by calling the Farmer Network office on 01768 868615. This event is being held in partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
On Wednesday 28th November, land drainage specialist, Gavin Elrick of SAC Consulting will be speaking at Threlkeld Cricket Club from 7pm about land drainage and the benefits for grass production and Natural Flood Management. This is an opportunity for farmers to find out more about land drainage systems, their installation and maintenance including the identification and repair of typical drainage problems. The event will focus on sustainable drainage systems that can provide agricultural and Natural Flood Management benefits. Clair Payne, NFM Project Officer for West Cumbria Rivers Trust will also give an update on the work West Cumbria Rivers Trust is doing within the Glenderamackin catchment.
Refreshments will be available but please book a place at the meeting by contacting the Glenderamackin facilitator, Paul Arkle, on Email: paul@cumbriafep.co.uk or mobile: 07713 333165.