FARMERS in the Bude area have been taking increased measures to reduce river pollution.

The Bude Cleaner Seas Project is working with its partners Cornwall Wildlife Trust and farmers to help keep bathing water clean at local beaches.

The Cleaner Seas Project, now in its third year, has been reaching out to farmers right across the catchment of the River Neet, helping them to make informed decisions about reducing pollution, protecting wildlife and enhancing the natural environment.

Five farmers in the area have engaged directly with the project, having been concerned about the potential for agricultural pollution to affect bathing water at Bude's beaches.

Peter Chapman at Hele Barton Farm in Poundstock parish agreed to take part in a pollution prevention project which has now fenced-off almost five kilometres of the Neet running through his farm. This work will ensure livestock are kept from entering the river, thereby eliminating the chance of direct pollution. The project was paid for through contributions from the Cleaner Seas Project, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Mr Chapman.

Mark Vickery at Killock Farm in Kilkhampton parish undertook a project to harvest rainwater. This will reduce the amount of clean water currently entering the farm's slurry lagoon. In turn, this will reduce the number of times slurry will need to be spread on adjacent fields — whenever slurry is spread there is a risk that rain could wash it into streams and ultimately to the sea. The water, now harvested by Mr Vickery, will be used for washing down collection and feeding areas reducing the requirement to take water from the mains supply.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.