Episode details

Radio 4,07 Sep 2026,12 mins
07/09/26 Government call for evidence on gamebirds, farming without oil
Farming TodayAvailable for 29 days
Every year, huge numbers of pheasant and partridge are raised across the UK for shoots, with around 40 million released into the countryside. Now the Government is launching a call for evidence to understand the welfare and environmental impact of the birds, which are kept in enclosures before their release. As farmers decide how they're going to manage next year's crops, the cost of fertiliser and fuel will be in the mix. But what if you could farm without fertiliser or diesel? This week we'll be finding out how far the UK is moving towards fossil-free farming. Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Beatrice Fenton.
Programme Website