FWAG'S first two events of 2005 concentrate on Defra's new environmental schemes.

At an evening meeting next Wednesday at the Compasses Inn, Wigmore, FWAG adviser Mike Williams will give an update on the schemes.

And an afternoon walk on Wednesday, January 19, at Heath Farm, Hopton, Craven Arms, will show how the schemes can be put to use on the ground.

Alison Jones, FWAG adviser, will also discuss soil nutrient and waste management issues and how best farm practice can lead to financial savings and environmental gain.

Representatives from Defra and the Environment Agency will be on hand to answer questions.

The two events have been funded by the agency as part of a programme of work in the River Teme catchment that will include a limited number of free farm visits.

Disease threat

One of the main problems is the threat of alder disease, which is leading to widespread death of the trees in the catchment.

Tree management, including coppicing, is required to retain an appropriate level of healthy bankside cover.

This is one of the issues that FWAG advisers will cover on the farm visits.

They will also advise farmers about the entry level and higher level schemes.

Under the funding there is also a limited amount of money for soil management, nutrient management and farm waste management plans, all of which gain points under the entry-level scheme.

To book a place at the events or to find out more information, call Mike Williams on 01544 318716 if you are farming in Herefordshire or Alison Jones on 01939 262150 if you are farming in Shropshire.