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28/01/2011

A court ruling could mean more polytunnels in protected landscapes. Plus we hear from the government minister who plans to sell off some of England's forests.

Charlotte Smith hears a court ruling could mean more polytunnels in protected landscapes. The Wye valley in Herefordshire has become a battleground between The Wye Valley Action Association and Herefordshire County Council. The valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where polytunnels could not be built. But a court has decided that as the land is already used for crops, the structures can now be erected. The National Farmers' Union tells Farming Today this is good news for fruit growers, but the Campaign to protect Rural England warn it will now be easier to built polytunnels in National Parks.

Government minister Jim Paice tells Farming Today why he plans to sell off some of England's forests. The Labour Peer Baroness Jan Royall warns that unless legislation changes, all of England's forests could end up in private hands.

And a visit to the Warwick Crops Centre research reveals how crops are being future-proofed to manage the heat, drought and pests which could come with climate change.

Presented by Charlotte Smith. Produced by Melvin Rickarby.

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15 minutes