THE Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group is running major demonstrations this autumn to explain to farm contractors how the new Environmental Stewardship Schemes and Cross-Compliance regulations will influence their work in the coming season.

The event at Ragley Hall Estate, Alcester, on Thursday, October 20, will feature working demonstrations of hedge-cutting, ditching, cultivations and weed control, all operations that will be affected by Stewardship and Cross-Compliance rules.

"Contractors must be aware of the new regulations to ensure that they are not breaching the terms of agreements their clients have entered into since they were last working on their farms," said Rosie Price, of Worcestershire branch of the group.

The event is being run in conjunction with Defra West Midlands and there will be advisors from the Rural Development Service present to answer questions and explain the principles behind the new schemes.

The event is open to all farmers and contractors and those attending can turn up to either a morning session from 10am to 12.30pm or an afternoon session from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The demonstrations are free of charge including a buffet lunch.

For further details or to book a place call Jayne Hayhurst at the advisory group on 01939 262150.

l THE new England Woodland Grant Scheme will be one of the subjects discussed at a Woodland Management event being held by the Worcestershire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group next Wednesday.

The event at Netherwood Manor, Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells, will be a practical day looking at new plantations and ancient woodland, their wildlife, landscape and historic value and as such valuable for land managers as well as forestry contractors and suppliers.

Greg Jones from the Forestry Commission, together with speakers from Abbey Forestry and the advisory group will discuss the commercial opportunities and look at how the England Woodland Grant Scheme and the Higher Level Stewardship can help make the best of farm woodlands.

The day will start at 11am, the event is free and includes lunch. Places need to be booked with Lucinda Liddell, of FWAG, on 01568 780333. The event is funded by Defra's farm advice grant. Under this funding there are some free farm visits from FWAG available to look at woodland options.