06/09/24 - Bluetongue, temperate rainforests and Scottish veg

Farming Today

The government has agreed to the use of 3 vaccines within the UK - subject to licence - to try and stop the spread of bluetongue. It follows of confirmation of the infection on a new premises in Yorkshire. Bluetongue is a virus carried by biting midges blown into the UK from northern Europe - it’s currently widespread in the Netherlands. It is unpleasant for animals that contract it and can result in death. We get the latest from the UK's Chief Vet.

We visit a temperate rainforest in West Wales, where the trees are thick with ferns, lichens and mosses. The expansion of the forest is being funded by an insurance company - so what part should corporate money play in the future of conservation?

And if you were looking for a perfect place to grow fruit and veg, the West Highlands of Scotland might not be the first place that springs to mind. But we meet a group of food producers in the Lochaber area, who work together to sell their produce online, and say they’re showing that it is possible to grow an impressive variety of fruit and vegetables in the area, despite poor soil, hilly terrain and a wet and windy climate. Their secret? Composting!

Presented by Caz Graham Produced by Heather Simons