Animal welfare strategy 'does not go far enough'
Experts and campaigners argue the government's new animal welfare strategy, while banning hen cages and pig crates, fails to protect wildlife and tackle factory farming's broader impact.
Category : Agriculture
World's Largest Living Fungus Library Faces Defunding
The world's largest living library of vital soil fungi, INVAM, faces closure due to US federal budget cuts. This 'Louvre for artists' holds over 900 strains key to ecosystem restoration and sustainable farming. Read why its loss would be catastrophic.
Hunt supporters vow to fight Starmer's trail hunting ban
Thousands gather for Boxing Day hunts as supporters pledge to fight Keir Starmer's proposed trail hunting ban. The Countryside Alliance warns of alienated rural communities.
Massive recataloguing of NI's archaeological treasures begins
Archaeologists in Co Antrim begin a huge project to recatalogue and repackage tens of thousands of historical artefacts, including a 4,000-year-old log boat. Discover how this improves preservation and global research access.
2026 Gardening Calendar: Month-by-Month Essential Tasks
Plan your year with our expert month-by-month gardening guide for 2026. From January pruning to December harvests, ensure your UK garden thrives in every season.
James Martin's Secret to Amazing Brussels Sprouts Revealed
Chef James Martin reveals his simple trick for perfect festive Brussels sprouts: deep-fry them and spritz with malt vinegar. Transform your Christmas dinner today!
The Real Reason You Never See Turkey Eggs at Christmas
Discover the surprising economic and historical reasons why turkey eggs are a festive rarity, costing over £2 each, and why chickens won the egg production race.
Chef's Thrifty Salsa Verde Recipe Uses Excess Herbs
Discover Tom Hunt's zero-waste salsa verde recipe. This versatile green sauce elevates roasts and uses up leftover herbs. Perfect for a festive showstopper.
Farm Inheritance Tax Relief Raised to £2.5m
The government has raised the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from £1m to £2.5m following intense protests. Critics say the personal cost to families won't be forgotten. Read the full story.
Farmers win inheritance tax relief increase to £2.5m
The government has raised Agricultural Property Relief to £2.5m after a 14-month NFU campaign, saving family farms from crippling tax bills. Read the full story of the rural victory.
Farmer's suicide linked to inheritance tax fears
A farmer took his own life amid fears over a proposed inheritance tax raid on farms. His son calls the government's U-turn a 'victory' but says the damage is done.
Inheritance tax climbdown welcomed as 'best Christmas present'
The son of a farmer who took his own life amid inheritance tax fears says a government U-turn is a vital victory for farming families. Read the full story.
Farm inheritance tax threshold raised to £2.5m after protests
Labour ministers have raised the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from £1m to £2.5m following intense protests. The change, effective April 6, comes after warnings of farmer distress. Read the full details.
Farm inheritance tax threshold raised to £2.5m
Labour ministers raise inheritance tax relief for farmers after protests. The new £2.5m threshold takes effect in April. Read the full story on the policy climbdown.
Labour raises farm inheritance tax threshold to £2.5m
The government has significantly watered down its planned 'tractor tax' on farmers after fierce backlash. The inheritance tax threshold for agricultural property has been raised from £1m to £2.5m. Read the full details.
Inheritance tax threshold for farms raised to £2.5m
Ministers have increased the inheritance tax threshold for agricultural assets from £1m to £2.5m following a major backlash from farmers and rural MPs. Read the full story on this significant policy reversal.
Starmer's major U-turn on 'tractor tax' after protests
Labour dramatically revises its inheritance tax plans for farmers, raising the threshold to £2.5m after months of protests. Read the full details of the policy reversal.
Inheritance tax threshold for farms raised to £2.5m
The Government has scrapped plans to extend inheritance tax to more farms, raising the threshold to £2.5m after protests. Read the full story on the major policy reversal.
Labour raises farm inheritance tax relief to £5m
Labour backtracks on inheritance tax plans after farmer protests, raising the 100% relief threshold to £2.5m per person. Read the full details of the policy climbdown.
Labour Waters Down Farm Inheritance Tax After Backlash
Keir Starmer's government has increased the inheritance tax threshold for agricultural property to £2.5m, halving affected farms. Read the latest on the policy U-turn.
2026 Gardening Calendar: Essential Monthly Tasks
Plan your year with our essential month-by-month gardening guide for 2026. From January pruning to December harvests, discover the key tasks for a thriving UK garden.
Holly's Symbolism and How to Grow It in Your Garden
Discover the rich history and symbolism of holly, a festive evergreen. Learn how to plant and care for popular varieties like English and American holly to enhance your UK garden year-round.
Farmers fear being undercut by new Labour welfare rules
Labour's proposed ban on colony cages and farrowing crates raises fears British farmers will be undercut by cheaper imports from countries where such methods remain legal. Industry leaders demand core import standards.
UK's Landmark Animal Welfare Reforms Ban Cages and Fur
The UK government has launched its most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation, targeting bans on hen cages, pig farrowing crates, and cruel fur imports. Discover the full details.
Adam Henson feared 'heartache' with surprise Christmas kitten
Countryfile presenter Adam Henson reveals he worried he'd made a mistake bringing home a sickly kitten as a Christmas gift for his wife. Discover the heartwarming story of Twiglet's rescue.
Gardener's urgent task to protect plants before winter
Gardening expert Tom Strowlger urges action to protect sensitive plants like fig and olive trees with fleece before harsh winter weather arrives. Essential advice for UK gardeners.
Lancashire village plagued by blood-sucking flies in winter
Residents of Firsby, Lancashire, describe life as 'hell' due to a persistent plague of biting stable flies, with a local business blamed. One dog may need ear amputation.
Cornish farmer fined over dangerous cow attacks
A Cornish farmer has been ordered to pay over £11,000 after a series of cow attacks on a public footpath left a man hospitalised. Read the full story.
Clarkson 'frightened' by first TV break in 40 years
Jeremy Clarkson admits he is 'genuinely frightened' about taking his first extended break from filming TV in four decades. The star will focus on his Diddly Squat Farm.
Kelvin Fletcher unveils Christmas farm transformation
Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz share their festive farm plans for their 120-acre Peak District farm, including a Christmas event and a new ITVX special. Watch their journey.
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