11/10/25: Rural crime, River Wye court case, skilled workers visas

This week we're looking at the fight against rural crime and how it feels to be the victim of theft, waste dumping, and illegal hare coursing on farmland. A rural crime expert tells us she believes some police forces are investing less time and resourcing, as they manage limited funding. We visit Cumbria where the Rural Crime Team is making a difference, with initiatives including volunteer horseback patrols. Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire we meet a farmer cleaning up tonnes of so-called Trommel waste, material left from the refuse recycling process, dumped on his land. In the Vale of Glamorgan, farmers are coping with an increase in illegal hare coursing.

Also in the programme: What's been described as the biggest ever legal claim for environmental pollution has been filed at the High Court. And, the Scottish dairy farmers concerned about future staffing on their farms following changes to the skilled workers visa.

Presenter: Charlotte Smith
Producer: Sarah Swadling