Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Farming Today

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today: Nitrogen pollution, Meat consumption, Hedgehogs

25/04/2014

Nitrogen pollution, Meat consumption, Hedgehogs

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Nitrogen pollution, Meat consumption, Hedgehogs

Could reducing the number of livestock herds by half help reduce nitrogen pollution?

Scientists say reducing the number of livestock herds by half could reduce nitrogen pollution. And does the culling of badgers have an impact on the number of hedgehogs?

Should we all reduce our meat consumption? In a new report the UN Economic Commission for Europe says that if we cut our intake of meat and dairy products by half then nitrogen emissions would fall by 40%.

Livestock farming has been identified as a major source of nitrogen pollution. Farming Today speaks to Professor Mark Sutton from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology about why reducing livestock herds in Europe by half would reduce pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and in turn release farmland to grow other crops. However the National Farmers' Union say the findings are over-simplifying the issue.

And a study has found that the government's Randomised Badger Culling Trial, from 1998 to 2007, led to an increase in the number of hedgehog numbers.

Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Lucy Bickerton.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Farming Today

Nitrogen pollution, Meat consumption, Hedgehogs

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4