CONSERVATION enthusiasts in Worcestershire hoping to see the effects of modern farming on wildlife have had their plans scotched by the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The annual National Farm Walk Week offers people the chance to see the conservation work carried out on commercial farms. The walks are organised by Farming and Wildlife National Advisory Group, FWAG, which is the largest adviser on wildlife conservation on farms.

But the week has been postponed to September because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Last year, 60 farms throughout England and Scotland opened their gates to the public showing the work carried out to protect wildlife on working farms.

"Once the crisis has passed, farmers will be keener than ever to invite the public to see all that's good in the British countryside," said Richard Knight, technical director for the group.

"We plan to make Farm Walk Week 2001 the biggest and best yet."