Farming Today

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Farming Today: 06/02/2024 Rural domestic abuse, Microplastics in soil, Birds of prey to control pests

06/02/2024 Rural domestic abuse, Microplastics in soil, Birds of prey to control pests

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 06/02/2024 Rural domestic abuse, Microplastics in soil, Birds of prey to control pests

Domestic abuse and the impact on its victims in rural communities.

Victims of domestic abuse in rural areas are more likely to suffer longer than those in urban areas because it's harder to access help and they're more isolated.

One in three women, and one in five men in the UK are affected by domestic abuse according to a recent National Rural Crime Network report - it also found that rural victims of domestic abuse tend to suffer for 25% longer than those in urban areas because of geographical isolation and barriers to accessing help and support. We hear from one woman in rural North Wales where she was the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-partner, who is now in prison. 

The presence of microplastics in farmland soil increased by 350% between 1997 and 2005 according to figures in a study by the University of Lancaster. That six-fold increase was largely due to the plastic coatings around fertiliser granules. The study was based on soil sample archives. Another study by the same researchers found the use of plastic to cover crops early in their growing season has also had an impact. We speak to the lead author of the reports.

All week we're looking at working animals. Birds such as starlings and feral pigeons can be a real pest for farmers - eating animal feed, seeds and young crops. An increasing number of farmers are turning away from noisy bird-scarers to a different type of pest control and employing falconers to help them deal with the problem. Hawks are trained to be a deterrent for the unwanted visitors without actually doing them any harm. We visit a farm in Shropshire where they’ve been trying out the idea.

Presenter = Anna Hill
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

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Farming Today

06/02/2024 Rural domestic abuse, Microplastics in soil, Birds of prey to control pests

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