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The 4 Point Plan
Priority Inspection – Part 3: What SEPA are looking for in an arable field
In the third video in this series, we hear from SEPA field officer, Pete Wright, about what SEPA are looking at in an arable field in terms of diffuse pollution risks during a Priority Catchment inspection.
In the third video in this series, we hear from SEPA field officer, Pete Wright,…
Priority Inspections – Part 4: What to look out for in your livestock fields
In the fourth video in our Priority Catchment Inspection series, we hear about diffuse pollution problems in livestock fields.
Priority Inspections – Part 5: Talking through the findings
In the final video of our series, we join farmer Gordon Mackay and SEPA's Pete Wright at the end of the priority catchment visit for a round-up of the findings from the inspection. This is an important part of every inspection and highlights both areas of good practice and where improvements could or need to be made.
Compliance – Know the rules
In this episode we are discussing compliance with Stephen Field from SEPA and Alexander Pirie from SAC Consulting. We focus on general binding rules and other helpful tips to ensure that farmers can remain compliant and protect the water environment.
A guide to the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS)
Dr. Bill Crooks, a soils and drainage expert, is on a farm to demonstrate how to undertake a Visual Examination of Soil Structure (VESS). In this video, he is in a grassland field that is due to be ploughed and planted in crop as part of the rotation but not before time as can be seen by the VESS. Dr. Crooks then moves into a neighbouring grassland field to compare the soil structure with the first field, again using a VESS.
Improving soil management on the Balcaskie Estate
Listen to steps taken by Balcaskie Estate Manager Sam Parsons and how he has introduced mob grazing to the benefit of both livestock production and soil management.
Chisel Ploughing to Open Dairy Farm Soil Structure with Hugh McClymont at Crichton Royal Farm
Short video with Hugh McClymont from SRUC's Crichton Royal Farm in Dumfries promoting good soil management in a grassland system with high rainfall.
Short video with Hugh McClymont from SRUC’s Crichton Royal Farm in Dumfries promoting good soil…
Protecting Soils using Controlled Traffic Systems with Robert Ramsay at West Mains of Kinblethmont
Short video with Robert Ramsay from West Mains of Kinblethmont, Angus, explaining how controlled traffic farming systems, involving set tracks identified by GPS satellite links, can improve yields by protecting farm soils from problems such as compaction.
Improving Soils and Preventing Runoff and Erosion Through Tramline Management
Tramlines are a major diffuse pollution pathway. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems reduce soil damage, can increase yield and save both fuel and time.
Improving soil management with reduced inversion farming at Preston Hall Farm
We hear from Bill Gray, Farm Manager at Preston Hall Farms, who gives an insight into how the estate manages their cropping systems to improve soil structure. Joanna Cloy, a Researcher at SRUC explains the importance for farmers to make small changes to their systems to reduce pollution whilst improving their farm's productivity.