Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is hosting a series of free workshops for AONB farmers and land managers.

The workshops include practical help on farming from leading experts.

Matt Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at the AONB, said:

“These workshops provide a fantastic opportunity to receive help and advice on a range of topics, from farm accounts, soil health and pond construction to regenerative grazing practices – there really is something for everybody”.

• 19 October with farm consultant, Mel Holloway, at Darley Memorial Hall. ‘Reaping the Financial Rewards of Good Soil Health’ offers technical advice on soil, manure, carbon and nutrient management. The workshop will also provide advice for farmers on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) improved grassland soil standard.
• 2 November at Home Farm in Risplith near Ripon from 10am, Niels Corfield, an independent agricultural consultant will look at ‘Reducing Nitrogen Costs’.Synthetic Nitrogen fertiliser costs are high and are a major contribution to climate change. Niels will explain how to reduce nitrogen dependency, increase profits and maintain respectable yields.
• 9 November, there is an ‘Autumn Review of the Darley Beck Curlew Project’ from 10am at Darley Memorial Hall.
• 11 and 12 November see day-long accredited courses from 9am till 4pm in ‘Agricultural Bookkeeping & Management Accounts’, hosted at Pavilions of Harrogate.
• 16 November at the Mechanics Institute in Kirkby Malzeard, Niels Corfield delivers a full day ‘Grazing Workshop’ from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
• 24 November -online course on ‘Pond Creation’ at 12pm.

All events are all free to attend, with lunch provided at the live workshops, although registration is required in advance as spaces are limited.

For full details and to register go to: https://nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/events/  

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Kirbys Solicitors has welcomed three new members to its property and private client teams.

Based on Victoria Avenue, the firm is one of Harrogate’s oldest companies, with a history stretching back more than 250 years.

Charlotte Thomas, Katie Hindmarsh and Wendy Scarr have all joined the practice in recent months.

Associate solicitor Charlotte specialises in residential, commercial and agricultural property, and has previously worked with a range of clients from large public sector organisations to smaller owner-managed businesses.

Katie and Wendy join Kirbys’ private client team. Associate solicitor Katie specialises in wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and court of protection work. She was described in last year’s Legal 500 as being ‘brilliant with clients’ and ‘really down to earth’.

Kirbys Solicitors, based on Victoria Avenue, is one of Harrogate’s oldest companies, with a history stretching back more than 250 years.

Director David Dow said:

“We are delighted to welcome Charlotte, Katie and Wendy to our team, adding to our expertise in both the commercial and private spheres.”

Charlotte Thomas, Katie Hindmarsh and Wendy Scarr have joined Kirby Solicitors.

Nidderdale’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under threat from an invasive Himalayan plant.

Those that look after the beauty spots have tried to keep them under control but have now appealed to the public to help cut them back.

Himalayan balsam is infamous for its impact on the health of river banks and wildlife. Its explosive seed heads spread very easily.

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The plant overshadows native plant species and causes widespread erosion of river and canal banks. It leads to flooding and the suffocation of fish eggs.

Iain Mann, Nidderdale AONB manager, said:

“We have a dedicated team of consultants, contractors and volunteers surveying and removing the offending plant. It may just seem like a plant but biosecurity is important to protect against the invasion and needs to be taken seriously.”

Nidderdale’s AONB team is working on three water bodies in Upper Nidderdale to remove the plants. It is part of a healthy rivers project, funded by a European Union grant.

Himalayan balsam has large, pink flowers shaped like a bonnet. Photo: Elizabeth Bishop

The public can notify the team of Himalayan balsam on a national database through the plant tracker app that can be found here.

Although people can remove them if it is on their property it may be best to leave the plant to the experts as it could spread further if done incorrectly.