2021
July
Wellbeing Survey
As part of the launch of the survey results NFU President Minette Batters was interviewed on GB News, Minette shared her thoughts on the respite the countryside offers all of its visitors.
"It's been brilliant to welcome so many people out to the countryside and to know it's really helped their health and wellbeing."
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) July 22, 2021
Catch up with @Minette_Batters on @GBNEWS about how the countryside has offered a respite for people through the pandemic ??https://t.co/5tX57FrdQc pic.twitter.com/jmmg5hhRJB
Coverage of the survey's findings could also be found across trade and specialist outlets such as Country Living Magazine, Farmers Guardian, and Farmers Guide amongst others. All outlets mentioned quoted NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts.
"British farmers not only produce our food, but they play a vital role maintaining, protecting and enhancing the landscape that has helped all of our mental health. It’s fantastic to see that those who actually live furthest away from rural areas have directly benefitted in this way from the work of farmers."
- NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts -
Regional pickup was widespread and included:
- The Yorkshire Post
- BBC Radio Northampton (3hr 12mins)
- Shropshire Star
- West Midlands Express & Star
- Eastern Daily Press
- Western Daily Press
- Plymouth Live
- Cornwall Live
- Western Telegraph
- Western Mail
- West Wales Chronicle
- The Hexham Courant
- Welsh Farmer
Farm Safety Week
NFU member Ed Ford appeared on GB News to discuss Farm Saftey Week and why it's such an important topic, especially around harvest time.
Thanks to @GBNEWS for listening to myself and @bladonbabe from @yellowwelliesuk talking about #FarmSafetyWeek - such an important topic as we approach our busiest time of year. Have a safe harvest everyone. pic.twitter.com/J6FojfHqpp
— Edward Ford (@Ed_Farmer_Ford) July 20, 2021
June
The rise of staycations
At the beginning of the month NFU county adviser for Derbyshire, appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to discuss the opportunity that has recently presented for farmers to diversify into tourism this summer as demand for 'staycations' has increased like never before.
February
Countryside code
NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts was quoted in an ITV article reminding people that it's important to take care and be mindful of your surroundings when walking in the countryside. This comes in the wake of further footpath widening and an increase of livestock worrying incidents.
Elsewhere...
Stuart was also quoted in the I newspaper and the Guardian online discussing the need for the public to keep their dogs on leads and under control when around livestock.
NFU crops board member Olly Harrison was quoted in an online iNews article.
NFU Cymru President John Davies urged all walkers to follow the Countryside Code. His comments were reported in a BBC article.
January
Footpath widening
New Covid-19 restrictions have meant more people are accessing the countryside, something which is always welcome, however the increase of people has caused footpaths to widen as people walk on crop to avoid mud. NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts has been quoted in the Times print newspaper discussing the widening of footpaths in rural areas.
Stuart was also quoted on a BBC Online piece, that also featured NFU crops board member Olly Harrison, discussing the issue.
Olly Harrison was previously interviewed on Farming Today (8 mins) and BBC North West Tonight (15 mins 44 secs) discussing the impact at his farm in Merseyside.
It's brilliant that more people are experiencing our beautiful countryside! Remember to help farmers produce the food we love by grabbing your wellies and sticking to the footpaths ??
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) January 18, 2021
Hear more from @agricontract on @BBCFarmingToday from 8 mins ??https://t.co/UuJ8PVVhM4 pic.twitter.com/icnFUgCFim
2020
October
Access to countryside
As visitor numbers to the countryside continue to rise, and with a number of cattle-related deaths, NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts was interviewed on BBC You & Yours, BBC 5Live's Emma Barnett programme, Daily Mail, BBC News and The Times reassuring the public that they need not be fearful of coming to the countryside but to stay alert and follow the Countryside Code.
As visitors to the countryside increase, NFU Deputy President sets out how you can stay safe while out and about - live on @bbc5live @Emmabarnett. Listen again from 2hrs 26mins https://t.co/hT2CXGwlXc pic.twitter.com/0yOxVDYjid
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) October 2, 2020
He also highlighted the NFU's work campaigning for an amendment to the Highways Act 1980 to allow farmers to divert public rights of way where livestock are present to help keep people safe while enjoying the countryside.