Agricultural Policy

Welsh birds of prey project looking for volunteers

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is launching Cudyll Cymru, a brand-new citizen science project aimed at enhancing the understanding of birds of prey across Wales.

BTO is seeking volunteers across Wales to help locate and observe birds of prey, particularly within the country's Protected Areas. This unique project, named Cudyll Cymru (part of a new Welsh Raptor monitoring initiative), will build a network of dedicated volunteers to monitor the health and habitats of four widespread raptor species: Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite and Sparrowhawk, along with one crow species, the Raven.

Be vigilant as the first cases of Bluetongue virus confirmed in Wales

All farmers should  be vigilant and mindful when purchasing and selling livestock as the first case of the Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) is confirmed in Wales.

The first confirmed case of BTV-3 was reported on Friday, 27 September 2024 after surveillance testing identified the virus in three sheep that had moved to Gwynedd from the east of England. Another case has also been reported bringing the total number of cases in Wales to 2. Both cases have been confirmed as high risk move cases.

Dyfed Powys Police crime prevention advice

Rural crime affects not only the individuals and businesses directly targeted but also can be felt economically, socially, and emotionally across the entire rural community

Rural crime encompasses a wide range of offences, including theft, vandalism, illegal dumping, wildlife crime, and anti-social behaviour, among others.

New course for irresponsible dog owners introduced by animal charity Blue Cross

A new course has established the ‘Responsible Dog Ownership Course’ (RDOC), an online course to educate dog owners on how to help reduce instances of dog attacks on livestock has been welcomed by the Welsh Cabinet Secretary, and has been made available to police across Wales for dog owners involved in a livestock attacks.