A new strategy for tackling rural crime across Wales will offer greater protection for people and wildlife in the countryside, according to the Welsh government. Priority areas include tackling damage to ancient monuments, or heritage crime, and attacks on livestock, with new awareness courses for animal owners.
A new ban on the use of lead in ammunition has been announced by the UK government, in a bid to stop the toxic metal contaminating fields and waterways. Shot containing more than 1% lead and bullets with a lead content of more than 3% are to be prohibited. It's a long-awaited move that ministers say will protect iconic wildlife and improve water quality. There'll be a three year transition period, but conservation groups say they'd like to see it introduced straight away.
All week we're taking a deep dive into the UK's shellfish industry. Almost 90% of the mussels produced in Scotland are grown in Shetland. We visit a farm which produces 1000 tonnes a year on long ropes dotted on 24 sites around the islands.
Should British farms and supermarkets have to pay the travel and visa costs of seasonal staff? The idea's been suggested as a way of protecting workers travelling to the UK to pick fruit and vegetables, some of whom are taking out loans to get here, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The Employer Pays Principle feasibility study, jointly commissioned by the government and the Seasonal Worker Taskforce, looked into the idea which has support from some retailers and recruitment agencies. The National Farmers Union however, has concerns about the challenges growers would face if forced to cover these additional costs, from job cuts to reduced production.
Presenter = Steffan Messenger Producer = Rebecca Rooney