Farming Today - 29/06/2010

Anna Hill hears that 90% of the UKs peat bogs are dying. Research from the University of East London suggests that these peat uplands, which cover 10% of the UK landscape, can be much better for the environment than previously thought. A visit to the Peak District reveals the challenge facing peat uplands. Keeping animals in the back yard is becoming more and more popular, and 15,000 people a year are joining the ranks of those enjoying eggs fresh from their own hen. DEFRA says that 180,000 people are now keeping chickens for eggs in their back gardens, but despite the numbers, Farming Today hears that no training is needed to keep the birds. And new research suggests that at the time of the E. coli outbreak at Godstone Farm in Surrey, 66% of people had never heard of the disease. Prysor Williams from Bangor University says that not all the lessons have been learned and warns that picnicers in the countryside are still at risk.