The Environment Agency (EA) receives a number of enquiries annually regarding the ability for weed-cutting to take place without the need for a permit.

The EA have confirmed that weed-cutting can be carried out on a designated Main River without a permit, but only using specialist weed cutting equipment, not a ‘normal/toothed’ bucket and that the operation does not disturb the riverbed or bank.

If the works involve any removal of any silt or disturbance to the riverbed or banks then this will require a permit.

Any questions on this, please contact Rob Ide, Environment Agency Senior Advisor, Land Drainage Futures on robert.ide@environment-agency.gov.uk or 07770827840.

• AHDB key actions for farmers
• Water Security for Food and Drink Supply
• NFU: Environment
• AHDB video: Managing slurry
• Good Soil Guide
• NFU: Agricultural Transition Plan
• The Rivers Trust video: Sustainable Farming
• Flood recovery advice for agricultural sector
• Irrigation Demonstration Farm

One Ash Training Provide a FREE Mental Health in Agriculture Course

This short course in Mental Health in Agriculture is for anyone who knows someone, or are themselves, going through a tough time with depression.

The course itself gives an overview of how people become depressed, how our brains interpret depression, how to self-soothe and actions we may take to help elevate the symptoms we face. 

For more information and to register on this course click here.

Sow a seed of hope suicide prevention training

Wenesday 15th October - 1PM - 4:30PM, Online

Do you work in farming or agriculture?

Want to know how to support someone with thoughts of suicide?

Papyrus are hosting Suicide Prevention Training in the North West for rural communities.

For more information and to book a place on this training click here.