01/02/2015

Wales YFC Tackles Financial Difficulties - the organisation haslost £360,000 from a Welsh government-backed grant used to support its educational work for "thousands" of young people. Farming unions are warning that the cuts will have a big impact on rural communities. We speak to Wales' YFC chairman on how they secure the future of our organisation

Fire service to stop animal rescues due to costs - Over the years scores of horses and cattle have been saved from death when trapped down shafts or sinking in mud - but the North Wales fire service says it can no longer afford to respond to "large animal" calls because of cuts to its budget. However there have been appeals from farmers and horse lovers for a re-think

Allotments and community growing -A push for people to grow their own food received a significant boost this week when the Welsh government announced plans to free up more land to be used as allotments. Local authorities will be urged to provide more plots, make better use of existing sites and cut waiting lists. The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens welcomes the new guidance

Control of Horses -It's a year since a new law equipped Local Authorities in Wales with additional powers to tackle fly-grazing and abandonment problems which can have severe consequences for equine welfare and community safety. More on Eye on Wales at 12.30 on BBC Radio Wales.

Metal Detecting -enthusiasts in Wales are being encouraged to showcase their finds as part of a new, five-year initiative. The Saving Treasures, Telling Stories project -- backed by 350 thousand pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund -- aims to bring together treasure seekers, farmers and landowners so they can tell their own stories behind the artifacts being unearthed. The money will also allow the National Museum Wales to purchase the best finds so they can be safeguarded for future generations

And don't forget to vote for the Lonely Tree of Llanfyllin in the European Tree of the Year contest!