Scottish Farmers are calling for a rethink on dredging rivers after recent storms have devastated the countryside and towns. Millions of pounds of damage have been caused by rivers which have burst their banks destroyed crops and hit people’s homes. One Angus farmer Ross Robertson recorded 180mm of rain during storm Babet alone with more forecast as storm Ciarán on its way.

NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy used his keynote speech at their autumn conference to call for a rethink so that active sediment management can better protect fields and buildings.

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The upland Perthshire farmer said: “The recent extreme flooding has hit lives and livelihoods as numerous homes, business properties, livestock and crops have been lost.

“Up to around 30 years ago, we would regularly remove gravel and silt from strategic pinch points on our rivers. River management was always seen as routine and required maintenance, and in many cases, the material removed was either replaced in the flood banks or recycled for another use.

“Not only did this protect valuable high value crops, but it helped enormously in protecting towns and villages from flooding. This was, of course, at no cost to the taxpayer.”

Mr Kennedy also took aim at the reintroduction and ‘exponential increase’ of beavers, which he said were exacerbating the situation. He stated: “We now have real evidence showing their impact on areas where there was never the issue of flood bank blowouts prior to their reintroduction.

“We have now come to the point where we simply cannot afford to have any of these rodents present in areas of productive land, end of.”

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The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon also acknowledged the damage done by the recent floods and pledged £50,000 to boost the Flooding Crisis Fund launched by Scottish rural charity RSABI. Ms Gougeon said:

“Farmers play a critical role as part of local resilience arrangements for extreme weather events.

“The community spirit shown by farmers who helped their neighbours in the wake of the deadly storm is admirable. They deserve our heartfelt thanks for their efforts and willingness to help out, whenever we have extreme weather – even when some of them are experiencing adverse impacts to their own land, homes and livelihoods.

“Addressing the ongoing climate crisis today and in the future will require a similar collaborative effort. We will continue to work with the industry to support farming methods which promote high quality, sustainable food production and which cut emissions and help to mitigate climate change.”

In England and Wales, the NFU is calling on all political parties to set out their plans to protect farmland from flooding which puts the country’s food security at risk.

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The campaign is an open letter which calls on the Environment Agency to deliver a proactive plan for the watercourses and flood defences it manages, as well as for the government to pay farmers and growers fairly for the vital role they play in protecting homes and businesses when rivers breach their banks.

NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said: “I have been out to meet NFU members and have seen first-hand the destruction and financial stress caused by flooding to farmers’ businesses and their homes. Despite promises made during each catastrophic flooding event, repeated governments of all parties have failed to get to grips with the challenge of managing watercourses and flooding. With another storm forecast this week, we need to see plans come forward as a matter of urgency.

“As farmers, we have all experienced the impact of more and more extreme weather and with climate change, this is something we will continue to see more of. While the flood water might be receding in some areas, I want to ensure our members start to see action now.

“There are tangible things that can be done now to adapt. For example, maintaining existing flood defences and paying farmers for the public good they provide by holding floodwater on their land. All political parties must recognise that for these long-term plans to succeed, action is required urgently.

“I would encourage all farmers, whether impacted by flooding or not, to sign the NFU’s open letter; one that is asking political parties to stand up and listen to those working on the frontline of climate change. They must deliver solutions for the future to ensure we can continue producing food while protecting our farmland and local communities.”

For information and to apply to the flooding fund visit www.rsabi.org.uk

Farmers or Crofters who have lost silage or straw can also email forageaid@ rsabi.org.uk