UPDATE: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund Open Now


The Forest of Dean District Council is calling for sites to potentially accommodate future housing and employment

The new Local Plan will set out the location of future development for the Forest of Dean District. As part of this process, the Council looks to identify as many sites as possible. This assessment provides an important source of evidence with the aim of gaining a clear understanding of land available. Forest of Dean […]

Posted on February 8th, 2024 by

Round 2 of the Improving Farm Productivity Grant

In a few weeks’ time, there will be an opportunity to apply for Round 2 of the Improving Farm Productivity grant. The grant is part of the Farming Investment Fund and pays towards capital items including robotic, automatic and solar equipment that improve farm and horticulture productivity. The application process splits the grant into two […]

Posted on December 20th, 2023 by

Increased payments for Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive

Mark Spencer, DEFRA Farming Minister has recently (5th January 2023) announced Countryside Stewardship (CS) payments are to rise by an average of 10%. Capital payments will rise by an average of 48%. This is alongside other announcements which aim to make entering and administrating the scheme simpler and fairer. Feedback from farmers has led to […]

Posted on January 9th, 2023 by

Deadline approaching for Class PA permitted development

With less than one year left to benefit from Class PA permitted development rights Carver Knowles reviews the potential this has. What is Class PA? Class PA is a permitted development right that allows the change of use of a building from light industrial (Class B1(c)) to a dwelling house (Class C3). This right is […]

Posted on April 15th, 2020 by

Biodiversity Net Gain

What is biodiversity net gain? The Environment Bill 2019 introduced the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain, which relates to the protection, preservation and enhancement of habitats. ALL developers will be required to deliver a 10% increase to existing biodiversity in respect of any new development. This can be achieved on-site, off-site or both. How is […]

Posted on April 9th, 2020 by

The Agriculture Bill – The Direction of Travel

As the Agriculture Bill passes through the various stages of Parliament we now have a better idea of the potential shape of the UK’s post Brexit agricultural policy. Despite a lack of specific details there are various items in the Bill that do offer a clear direction of policy, enabling farmers and landowners to start […]

Posted on April 1st, 2020 by

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME?

In this blog Mike Cluley gives a very brief summary of the main points of the new Agricultural Bill that is passing through parliament so that consideration can be given as to what businesses should expect and the things that they should consider with the likely changes to future farm payments. Agricultural policy in the […]

Posted on March 4th, 2020 by

BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME 2020 AND CROP DIVERSIFICATION UPDATE

Despite the persistent inclement weather, spring is “technically” here and the BPS season is only just around the corner. Mike Cluley takes a quick look at the Basic Payment Scheme 2020 with a particular focus on what the options are to comply with the Crop Diversification rules under Greening given the consistent wet weather which […]

Posted on March 4th, 2020 by

Zero Carbon Farming – The Pershore Conference 2020

Carver Knowles were thrilled to be sponsors once again for the Pershore Conference alongside Crowthers Accountants and Shakespeare Martineau. Over 150 local farmers and rural professionals gathered on the 16th January for the evening organised by Upton and Pershore NFU to listen to an excellent panel discuss the topic of ‘Zero Carbon Farming’. The evening […]

Posted on February 18th, 2020 by