The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) Scheme is now open for applications from landowners and those who have full management control of land.

The scheme provides 100% grants to enhance and expand existing woodlands and to create new woodlands as part of the future ‘National Forest’.

The woodland must have an element of public access or community engagement to be eligible and funding through this grant can be combined with Glastir Woodland Creation or private investment.

Eligible capital items range from the purchase of trees, site preparations such as fencing, tools and small scale equipment for project delivery i.e. consultancy fees.

Applications must be made by 27th August 2021 via RPW Online and necessary consents or permissions, such as environmental impact assessments or planning permission, need to be in place before applying.

ADAS, on behalf of Defra, is conducting a short survey on the different grazing practices being adopted by sheep and cattle farmers across the UK.

The survey results will help characterise the various grazing systems and understand the barriers and enablers of adopting new techniques such as rotational or paddock grazing.

For each survey completed, ADAS will donate £2 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) up to a maximum of £500.

More information and the survey can be found here: https://adas-survey.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/cattle-and-sheep-grazing-practices-survey-final

Farming Connect has launched a dedicated half an hour, monthly TV programme for farmers and foresters in Wales on YouTube.

The programme will focus on best practice, compliance and efficiency by demonstrating how some of the best farms in Wales, including some of Farming Connect’s demonstration farms, are preparing for a sustainable and profitable future.

It will feature a mix of dairy, beef and sheep farms from across Wales as well as systems that are utilising new innovation and technology and some that have diversified the farm business to generate additional income.

While themes such as infrastructure, innovation and diversification have been scheduled for July, August and September respectively, future episodes will focus on broader topics such as animal health and grassland management.

Every new episode will be uploaded on the FCTV YouTube channel on the last Monday of every month: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxYH2RRebW271MBuNfbSRgQ

North Wales Police has launched a new community alert system which allows the communities of North Wales to keep up to date with localised police news.

The system has been funded as part of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund and is currently used in other UK police forces with positive results.

It aims to keep communities up to date with how the police force is dealing with particular issues and make people feel safer in their areas.

Individuals can receive updates on news, alerts, appeals, engagement events and general policing activities via email, text or voice message without needing an internet connection. It also acts as another platform for communities to provide comments or concerns to the police force.

To find more information and register for free, please visit: https://www.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/