FARMERS can receive updates on rural matters at an event being organised by the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE)next week.

Cross-compliance and updates on the Basic Payment scheme will be on the agenda at the event at the George Hotel, in Piercebridge, at 6pm on Monday (April 20).

They can also learn about a potential new multi-million pound project for the River Skerne catchment and how it could benefit their business.

Jim Cokill from the Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) will give a presentation on Bright Water, the new River Skerne catchment project which is currently under development.

He will explain how farmers could improve their business and the landscape through both habitat restoration and capital works on farm through the new project.

Mr Cokill said: “Hopefully the Bright Water project will be a great opportunity for farmers in the Skerne catchment.

"There is a rich agricultural history across the area and potential to use that to provide new opportunities in the future that help make farming and farm businesses more resilient.’’

The event will also update participants on greening, cross compliance, Countryside Stewardship and CFE.

Fraser Hugill, regional coordinator for the CFE in Yorkshire and North-East, said “The Farm Advice Service will be attending the event to provide the latest update on Basic Payment Scheme and cross compliance, this meeting is an opportunity to find out about a very important current issue for farmers as well as a potential project for the future."

A free supper will be provided. Booking is helpful up until the day before the event.

Contact Sarah Maughan at CFE Yorkshire and the North-East by text, call 07432-562-198 or email yorkshirenortheast@cfeonline.org.uk