Loop South West is a news site keeping you in the loop about things that are happening in Bristol & the South West.
Send your news to loop_sw@icloud.com
All in Agriculture
After months of speculation, the Chancellor has announced changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief. These changes will have a significant impact on estate planning for many farms.
New initiative to restore nature in Dorset gets underway
An exciting new initiative aimed at restoring, enhancing and connecting spaces for nature in Dorset has officially launched.
New low carbon insulation made by South West farm workers could support rural economies
The production of low carbon, plant-based insulating blocks by agricultural workers from farm materials could help to support rural economies and tackle labour shortages, experts believe.
‘We are still seeing too many deaths and injuries in farming', says personal injury lawyer
Following the release of the latest figures from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which show farming is the most dangerous profession in the UK, a personal injury lawyer says more needs to be done to keep the industry safe.
Residents relive their youth at Devon County Show
Residents from a specialist dementia care home in Wellington have been reliving happy days from their youth at last weekend’s Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena and Showground in Clyst St Mary near Exeter.
Natural Academy unveils inspiration behind this year's Chelsea Flower Show design
A Bristol-based not-for-profit has unveiled the inspiration behind its latest RHS Chelsea Flower Show entry, after taking home a silver medal at last year’s event.
High-tech soil science lab secures £574k Good Growth investment
A new high-tech laboratory to help farmers, growers and horticulturalists in Cornwall manage their land and soils more sustainably and productively is being established at the Eden Project.
THE RIGHT TO ROAM: BALANCING LANDOWNERS’ INTERESTS AND PUBLIC ACCESS
The concept of the Right to Roam is deeply rooted in our history.
Agri landlords urged to act now before new bill
Landowners who privately rent properties are being urged to act now before new legislation is introduced which will make it more difficult to evict tenants.
Divorce and the family farm
Providing a realistic valuation of farm assets in the case of divorce can be ‘tricky’ not only because of the inherent uncertainties farmers face such as weather, rising prices and subsidies but now also because of a seven-year Brexit transition rule, says family law specialist Philippa Yeo.
Farleigh Fields plan scrapped
Persimmon South West has withdrawn its planning application to build a housing estate on Farleigh Fields, Backwell.
Clarke Willmott wins NFU award for excellent legal support
National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has won a prestigious award from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) for its outstanding work supporting members in the South West.
Devon-based dairy drinks business expands product range at Aldi
A Devon based dairy drinks supplier is celebrating a successful start to the year after a surge in demand for its protein milkshake range across Aldi stores.
Iconic Cornish Hedging could be classified as an endangered craft
Cornish hedgers are being asked to complete a short online survey which will help determine whether the ancient skill should be classified as an endangered craft.
Plans for housing revealed
Plans for a controversial housing estate on Farleigh Farm fields in Backwell, Bristol, have been submitted to North Somerset Council by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley.
The extraordinary story of The Maid Of The Haystack
An extraordinary story of a woman who spent four years living in a haystack in Flax Bourton, near Bristol has been brought to life in a new historical novel just published.
Dorset barn owl numbers double since boxes put up on council farms
Dorset Council has recorded its highest number of barn owl chicks yet in its annual monitoring of barn owl boxes at council farms in Dorset.
Ruling in favour of housing estate on Farleigh Fields
A planning Inspector has ruled that 125 houses can be built on farm fields in Backwell with the demolition of two houses on the A370 to provide access.
North Somerset village to expand by 60%
Around 150 people packed into the Backwell Parish Hall in North Somerset to question plans by North Somerset Council to build 1,120 new homes in the village by 2038.