Thanks to the farmers for helping to keep food shelves stocked

IN these uncertain times, it’s wonderful to see our society coming together and key workers playing a vital role in ensuring everyday life can continue.

Alongside our extraordinary NHS and care workers, retail and postal staff, there’s a big sector ‘ploughing on’ – UK agriculture.

On behalf of the Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT), I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to British farmers.

Covid-19 has demonstrated a huge reliance on the UK food and farming industry to keep supermarket shelves stocked and help with increasing demand to shop local.

With many venturing into the great outdoors for their precious hour window of exercise per day, there’s never been a better time to witness the joy of nature in all its glory.

The CRT’s ethos of ‘wildlife friendly farming’ perfectly mirrors the glorious synergy of nature and the all-important work our hero farmers are doing for the benefit of the British public. The CRT farmers are playing their part – from sheep and beef farmers Gareth and Madeline Boaz, in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley and jersey dairy farmers Bev and Mike Clear in Surrey, to arable farmer Tim Scott at our flagship farm in Cambridge.

As a charity, we feel it’s never been more important to appreciate the work of British farmers and ensure the next generation truly understands where their food comes from.

When the pandemic ends, the CRT will launch its new education programme, MOSAIC – Farming & Wildlife, at Turnastone Court Farm in Herefordshire.

MOSAIC will help children continue this journey to learn more about the farm to fork process – we have some exciting times ahead and there’s no better time to start getting out and taking in local nature. For now, stay safe and keep well.

From: Terry Palmer, South Lea Avenue, Hoyland, Barnsley.

WE show our appreciation for our NHS every Thursday at 8pm by giving a round of applause, and I think all our good local postmen and women should also be included.

We tend to forget how helpful most of these people are, especially during the current crisis.

Our local ‘postie’ never fails to impress, even during normal times, and is continuing to go the extra mile. So I think a thank you, and a round of applause in appreciation for our postmen and women, is in order. Thank you and stay safe.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor