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Bovine TB trials halted, flood defence and dog therapy

Country Focus hears reaction to the suspension of the badger vaccination trials, and assesses the future of Fairbourne village and the benefits of a therapeutic canine cwtch!

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 14 Dec 201505:30

In more detail......

In more detail......

Badger vaccinations - where now with the trials? We ask the Wildlife Trust in Wales where this leaves their project and get the farmers' reaction following the suspension of badger vaccination projects currently underway in Wales. These include year 5 of the Intensive Action Area project, and parts of the Badger Vaccination Grant scheme due to a shortage in the BCG vaccine and priority for human use.

Fairbourne Floods - work has recently been completed on a six point eight million pound scheme to protect Fairbourne in Gwynedd from flooding. The work has included creating an area of new saltmarsh to provide a habitat for wildlife, as well as rebuilding flood drains and strengthening coastal defences. It's nearly two years since the news that the village of Fairbourne may one day have to be abandoned to the sea. So have people living there welcomed these latest improvements and what's the future of village ?

Will Cinderella get to the ball? - The Cinderella of the Welsh economy - the rural economy - is just waiting to be unleashed according to the newly appointed president of the Country Landowners and Business Association. Ross Murray says he's drawing on his own experiences to attract and retain small businesses at his family's Llanover estate in Monmouthshire for the new role. He calls for more emphasis to be placed on the economic benefits of converting rural buildings by planning authorities and also argues poor internet speeds and phone reception is 'stifling' the rural economy in Wales.

Tackling the prickly issue of Gorse - many areas across Wales are over-run with the prickly bushes, so much so that gorse is making it difficult for other plants to survive in their traditional habitats. We hear how on the picturesque Halkyn mountain, in Flintshire the locals are fighting back, trying to readdress the balance, thanks to a conservation grant.

And we meet Twm - a little dog providing a lot of canine cheer. Carmarthenshire Therapy Dogs is being run by the Red Cross and for the first time is training dogs to go into people's homes to deliver emotional support for people who love animals but can no longer look after a pet themselves.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 13 Dec 201507:03
  • Mon 14 Dec 201505:30

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