AN event on all things soil is open to Tynedale farmers.

Coinciding with World Soil Day on Wednesday December 4, local and national environmental organisations have come together to co-host the event ‘Farming Rules for Water', named after the new rules for all UK farmers which came into place in April, aimed at helping to protect water quality through good farming practices.

The talk gives farmers an opportunity to learn about the new rules, including the ways in which they need to now manage soil, nutrients and manure or slurry on their land to ensure they do not impact on watercourses or groundwater on or under their land.

Other topics will include learning how best to match nutrients to crop and soils needs, and keep livestock fertilisers and manures out of the water.

There will also be the opportunity to hear about trials on soil health conducted by Newcastle University.

Tyne Rivers Trust, Wear Rivers Trust, Frontier Agriculture, The Environment Agency, SoilCare Project, TOPSOIL and Newcastle University are behind the event, which will be held at Nafferton Farm near Stocksfield.

Danielle Anderson-Walker, farms liaison officer at Tyne Rivers Trust said: “This is a great opportunity for farmers in the Tyne catchment to gain some new ideas and to refresh on the farming rules for water.

“One of the main aims of the event is to show the ways in which reducing pollution and improving your farm business can go hand in hand.”

The event will run from 2pm until 4.30pm. To book a place visit www.tyneriverstrust.org/events.