Farmers from Denbigh and Flintshire have met their local Assembly Members to talk about some of the major problems the new bovine TB zones will have on local farm business and stressed the urgent need for high resolution maps. 

‘Taking Forward Wales Sustainable Management of Natural Resources’, a title which seems innocuous enough, but hides more than fifty proposals, many of which are highly contentious for a broad range of stakeholders, were discussed with Pembrokeshire Assembly Members recently.

Discussing the consultation at Pembrokeshire county show, FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: “The consultation covers areas as diverse as forestry, public access to land and waterways, fishing, drainage, agriculture and wildlife - to name just some, with specific proposals including allowing mountain bikes on all public footpaths, allowing people to camp and play games wherever they want on open access land, reducing the circumstances in which public safety can be protected when trees become rotten and dangerous, and on-the-spot fines for the drivers of cars from which litter is thrown.

Pembrokeshire farmers and Farmers’ Union of Wales officials met with Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths at Pembrokeshire County Show to discuss the NVZ consultation and bovine TB.

FUW Deputy President Brian Thomas said: “We had a very good meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and discussed the timing of an announcement on the NVZ consultation. It was confirmed that a decision would be announced by the end of the year.  

“The length of any implementation period was also highlighted as an issue, as the period of time needs to be as long as possible to enable the planning permission system to be able to cope, to ensure the availability of specialist contractors and to take account of the fact that there will be periods of the year when no construction work can take place due to weather conditions.

The Pembrokeshire branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales is once again seeking entries for the counties FUW Countryside Business Award, which will be presented to an individual 40 years of age or under, who has developed their own business based in rural Pembrokeshire.  

So if you are business in rural Pembrokeshire, farm in your own right or provide a service to the agricultural sector, run a cake making business, electrical or plumbing services, crafts, music teaching or food processing, then the Pembrokeshire team want to hear from you.

“There are a host of fantastic businesses in rural Pembrokeshire who all do a great job in keeping the wheel of our rural economy turning. With the award we want to recognise the fantastic work our young people are doing to keep the rural areas of Pembrokeshire vibrant and economically active places,” said FUW Pembrokeshire CEO Rebecca Voyle.   

To be eligible for the award the individual must be 40 years of age or under on 1 January 2017 and be actively involved in a business based in rural Pembrokeshire. A £200 cash prize, perpetual trophy and a year’s free membership will be awarded to the winner.

“I am really looking forward to receive entries for this award, so if you think your business stands out from the crowd or you know someone who runs a top rural business then get in touch with us to put them forward. But please check with them before sending in the nomination that they are happy for you to do so,” added Rebecca Voyle.

Entry forms are available from the FUW office in Pembrokeshire, so either call on 01437 762 913, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , to request your form. The deadline for entries is Friday 15 September, 2017.