http://www.cla.org.uk/rss/News_Midlands.xml Rural News from the CLA en-gb Wed, 16 May 2012 16:55:30 GMT Copyright: © 2012 CLA, http://www.cla.org.uk http://www.cla.org.uk CLA Midlands has welcomed a rights of way consultation by Natural England that should enable land managers to put their legitimate concerns forward and cut red tape. The Association is part of the Stakeholder Working Group on Unrecorded Rights of Way which has produced Stepping Forward, a report to Natural England to start the consultation process. CLA Midlands Rural Surveyor Andrew Shirley said: "This marks the first step in reducing the needless bureaucracy that plagues public rights of way. Wed, 16 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010184/ Commenting on the announcement of three new attractions for this year's CLA Game Fair which takes place at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire on 20-22 July, CLA Director Midlands Caroline Bedell said: "We are lucky to welcome the largest countryside show back to the Midlands, and this year's event looks like being the best ever. As well as being a showcase for the countryside, the event will also make a huge contribution to the local economy and I know that members from across the region are looking forward to visiting or exhibiting. "These new initiatives can only add to the excitement of what is already a must-do event on the countryside's social calendar. Who could resist the opportunity to win £10,000 or a trip on the Orient Express?" Wed, 16 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010180/ The CLA has welcomed the Government's intention to appoint a Groceries Code Adjudicator - the long-awaited Supermarket Ombudsman.The Association has lobbied since 2003 for the creation of the role of Supermarket Ombudsman, and hailed today's confirmation in the Queen's Speech of a Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill to achieve this, in the next parliamentary session, as a "great day for suppliers". Thu, 10 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010122/ Rural watchdog, the CLA, says it expects this weekend to signal the start of the fly-tipping season across the Midlands and is reminding people to dispose of rubbish properly, as well as asking that witnesses and victims report incidents to the police. Fri, 04 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010069/ The cream of the gundog world will gather at this year's CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire from Friday, 20 July to Sunday, 22 July. The CLA Game Fair is the UK's premier summer gundog event and hosts a series of displays and competitions in the International Arena featuring Europe's best teams and daily spaniel and retriever demonstrations. The Working Ring will feature a daily programme of versatility displays and training demonstrations illustrating the wonderful working relationship between the dogs and their handlers. Thu, 03 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010039/ The CLA, whose members look after a third of all listed buildings in England and Wales, is stepping up its campaign against the Government's decision to remove the VAT zero rating on alterations to listed buildings. The Association says the decision will hit Britain's heritage with an additional tax burden of £125million each year, jeopardising projects such as converting redundant buildings into housing and creating community buildings. It would also disrupt the continual programme of works to churches, historic houses and monuments It has already met the Minister responsible for VAT, briefed MPs and pressed for changes to the Finance Bill which is seeing through the Budget's proposals. To help harness public opinion the CLA has joined forces with other organisations including the Historic Houses Association (HHA), the Heritage Alliance, and the Cut-the-VAT Coalition. All are calling on the Government to reverse the decision. Tue, 01 May 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1010008/ More than 200 farmers and landowners from across the Midlands have already registered for the FiT for FARMING networking event supported by the CLA and being staged on 10 May 2012 at Stoneleigh Park. Now in its second year, this popular event has been tailored for farmers looking to develop their own renewable energy projects, attracting payments under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). On the day farmers and landowners will have their own specific schedule of pre-arranged appointments with selected and relevant Fri, 27 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009972/ CLA Midlands Comment 20 April 2012 CLA Midlands is reminding people not to forget that Monday 23 April is St George's Day, and suggests that people in the region celebrate the occasion with local food and drink. Caroline Bedell CLA Director Midlands said: "As well as being England's patron saint, St George is held in many countries throughout the world as the patron saint of agriculture and farm workers. So what could be more appropriate than celebrating the occasion with some of the region's finest produce? "On Monday, remember St George and our food producers. Even making just one meal the focus will help make the day a special occasion and by sourcing local food from local shops you will be helping the local economy. "And don't forget that 23 April is also Shakespeare's birthday - even more reason to celebrate the good things that England's countryside provides." Fri, 20 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009859/ Investment in agricultural and rural businesses could be lower over the next 12 months leading to restricted growth, according to a new survey by the CLA and Smiths Gore. The Rural Economy Index examined more than 100 businesses in the countryside during the first quarter of 2012 to provide a snapshot of rural economic life for agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The survey found that while business confidence is increasing, with over four-fifths (85 percent) reporting the same or higher sales in all sectors, lower levels of investment in a fragile rural economy remain a worrying factor for more than a quarter of both business types. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009858/ Commenting on Natural England's decision to abandon its vision for the Uplands, CLA Midlands Rural Adviser said: "The CLA never completely agreed with Natural England's vision for the Uplands because it did not acknowledge the need to pay farmers, foresters and land managers for the wildlife, habitats and landscapes they provide for the public. But at least it recognised the uplands as a special case and it remains so. "Businesses in upland areas operate on very tight margins and are generally not economically viable without public funds to pay for the public goods they provide. "They might be sparsely populated areas with limited employment opportunities and poor transport and communications infrastructure, yet hill farming punches far above its weight, providing a wide range of environmental and economic benefits, not least a backdrop for tourism. "Government must now look for new ways to provide income streams to help these areas remain well managed, productive and viable. Natural England's Vital Uplands: A 2060 Vision for England's Upland Environment was launched in November 2009. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009847/ CLA Midlands is backing the Church of England's campaign against the VAT increase on alterations to listed buildings. Previously zero-rated, this will rise to 20 percent, costing the Church up to £20million per annum. When all listed buildings are taken into account the Association says it amounts to a £125 million tax raid on Britain's heritage. Caroline Bedell Director CLA Midlands said: "The budget announcement came as a kick in the teeth to all owners of listed buildings and the impact is being felt widely. By scrapping the zero rate of VAT on alterations to listed buildings the Chancellor has removed the only remaining advantage of having a building listed. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009845/ Commenting on today's (16 April) announcement by the Environment Agency that the Midlands is now officially in 'Environmental Drought' status, CLA Midlands Rural Adviser Donna Tavernor said: "It is important that people are not led into a false sense of security by the recent rainfall. The Midlands is very much in drought which is why these measures, however unpopular, need to be taken. "Recent rain may have made grass and crops look green again but it has not helped to grow grain. Wheat and barley, potatoes, salad and vegetable crops will all be affected. If this continues we could have drastically reduced food production. Maintaining supplies to livestock is crucial and let's not forget that it can have a disastrous effect on fish, resulting in both environmental and economic problems "Many CLA members also have private supplies that provide water to householders, farms and rural businesses, all of whom depend on a reliable source to keep going. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009823/ The CLA Game Fair - the world's largest game fair - will be back at Belvoir Castle, near Grantham in Leicestershire, this year from Friday, 20 July to Sunday, 22 July. For the third time, the CLA Game Fair returns to the magnificent Belvoir estate to celebrate the countryside and showcase the importance of field sports and country activities to the rural economy. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009805/ Despite the demands of a high profile launch for their Harthill Stud, Cheshire rider and businesswoman Nina Barbour and international event rider Oliver Townend took time out to support the CLA's new Equine policy report which aims to promote a modern and thriving equine business sector. The publication, "Clearing Hurdles" says that the equine sector generates a turnover of around £5billion a year for the rural economy - but it is also one of the most fragmented sectors and, without the right policy and advisory framework, its economic potential will remain underexploited. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009789/ Be responsible in the Countryside and we can all enjoy the Easter break says CLA As much of the nation prepares to head to the countryside for the Easter break, CLA Midlands has issued its annual reminder that people should keep their distance from farm animals and their dogs under control. CLA Rural Adviser Donna Tavernor said: "Easter is the first long bank holiday of the year and we expect to welcome a large number of visitors to the countryside. "Spring in the Midlands is a joy shared by everyone, whether they live here or are just paying a short visit. However, it is a critical time for new-born animals, especially lambs. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009754/ It is a measure of the importance of the topic that two of the CLA's most prominent forestry and woodland experts will be speaking at Demystifying Woodland Insurance and Liabilities, a special event for all those involved in owning or managing woodland. The event takes place on Wednesday 18 April at Wyre Forest Discovery Centre, Callow Hill, Worcestershire. The event will look in detail at the new National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) guidelines on trees and their impact on landowners. CLA Vice-President Ross Murray will give the perspective of a private woodland owner in this difficult but important subject, while CLA Forestry and Woodlands Adviser Mike Seville will lead an outdoor workshop on the practical implementation of risk management of trees for landowners. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009735/ Warwickshire committee member David Lodder is to raise funds for the Heart of England Community Foundation and Mencap by cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End. Here he explains why, and how you can help these two worthy causes. There are some things in life such as the London Marathon which have "just got to be done". The 1000 mile trip from John O'Groats to Lands End using your own steam is one of those things. So I've decided to bike it before I'm too old to be able to do such things. I am also doing it to celebrate 110 years of Lodders at Lodders - my grandfather, G F Lodder, joined the Henley in Arden firm of Couchman and Christophers in 1902. I'm doing it alone and am planning to do it in two stages to fit in with work commitments, and energy levels. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009733/ The CLA says that while the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a step forward in terms of relaxing the planning system, its chapter on heritage is a disappointment which threatens our nation's heritage. CLA President Harry Cotterell said: "CLA members manage more than a quarter of all heritage in England. If heritage is to be looked after effectively for future generations, good heritage policy is vital. Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5) was a big improvement on what preceded it but there were important heritage holes which the NPPF has failed to deal with. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009710/ To Stephen Fry, it might be a drop in the ocean, but that most traditional of associations in the Midlands - the CLA - is feeling justifiably pleased with itself as it welcomes its 1,000th follower on the social network Twitter. The CLA has been around since 1907 and, as its membership developed to encompass landowners, farmers and around 250 types or rural business, the Association has wholeheartedly embraced new technology and new forms of communication. Indeed one of the major issues facing its members today is the lack of access to broadband in rural areas, an issue on which the CLA has been lobbying for the ten years. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009707/ The CLA in the Midlands says that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published today will provide planners with the guidance necessary to help boost the rural economy, while ensuring that concerns about inappropriate development and the environment are addressed. CLA Midlands Rural Adviser Donna Tavernor believes that the new planning guidelines, slimmed down from more than 1,000 pages to around 50, mark a great improvement and could kick-start rural innovation. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 GMT http://www.cla.org.uk/RSS/RN/1009672/