Rural Life
There is plenty of support and information for farmers available on the web. But rural life's not all about agriculture. Explore the websites we've found and get in touch with us if you'd like to suggest another.
Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales
http://www.cprw.org.uk/
Information about rural Wales and the organisation's various campaigns to conserve and enhance the landscape, environment and amenities.
Forestry Commission
http://www.forestry.gov.uk
The Commission is the government department responsible for forestry throughout Great Britain. Their site offers information about activities in Welsh woodlands, observing woodland wildlife and enjoying the countryside. There are also details about the current and proposed actions of the commission.
Digital Farm
http://www.ffarmddigidol.com/
You must register to get the full service from this portal which provides rural news, a web portal for Welsh agriculture and links to information of Welsh life.
Institute of Rural Health
http://www.irh.ac.uk.
The Institute of Rural Health was set up in 1997 with the aim of improving the health of rural communities. Although it has a UK-wide remit, the charity has its headquarters in Gregynog Hall near Newtown in Powys. You can read about the Institute's research programme on the website as well as download free copies of its reports, which include studies on farmers stress, asthma in schools and the health impact of the foot and mouth crisis on the people of Wales. There's information too on e-health and how video telephony means a patient in rural Montgomeryshire can get advice from a London-based specialisist without having to travel. Probably aimed more at the professional than the ordinary punter but anyone interested in health and rural affairs will get a lot out of this site.
Rural Futures
http://www.ruralfutures.org/frame.htm
A new body aiming to bring new thinking to the countryside debate. Partners in the initiative include the WI, RSPB, Friends of the Earth, the National Trust, the Small and Family Farms Alliance and the Young Farmers.
Coed Cymru
http://www.coedcymru.mid-wales.net
Established in 1985 with the aim of bringing Welsh broadleaf woodlands into sustainable management. Its site directs users to sources of help, publicises forthcoming events and even offers downloadable pictures - some dating from the 19th century.
The Country Landowners Association
http://www.cla.org.uk/
The objective of the CLA is to safeguard the interests of private landowners and rural businesses. Its site offers - among other things - an attractive virtual village. Users clicking on one part of the village will find themselves moved to a CLA report on that particular topic. It also carries a list of CLA contacts for Mid Wales.
The Farmers' Union of Wales
http://www.fuw.org.uk
Established in 1955, the FUW's headquarters are in Gogerddan near Aberystwyth. The union's website carries press releases, policies, as well as contact details for its officers.
The National Farmers Union
http://www.nfu.org.uk
The NFU was founded in 1904. Its site carries material on education, news and information, press releases, membership, and a variety of services.
Wales YFC
http://www.yfc-wales.org.uk
Based in Builth Wells, the Wales YFC represents more than a hundred clubs and 5,500 members aged 10-26. Its website has lots of useful information - including a calendar of events, contact details for local clubs and a news section, with a searchable archive. There's also a gallery of photos from the Royal Welsh Show, Eisteddfod etc and members can chat to each other in The Forum.
Ceredigion Young Farmers
http://www.yfc-ceredigion.org.uk/index.htm
A handy one-stop site for information about what the YFC's doing in Ceredigion. You'll find details about the county's future activities and competitions as well as galleries of past events such as the annual pantomime or Eisteddfod. There's also a noticeboard for posting useful info and a message board for general chat.
The Countryside Council for Wales
http://www.ccw.gov.uk
A bilingual site with information on wildlife species and habitats and a detailed map of protected areas in Wales. Find out about special events being organised by the CCW locally and further afield - or read up on the organisation's grant opportunities.
Royal Welsh Agricultural Show
http://www.rwas.co.uk
Those eager to visit the show in Builth Wells can find all the most up-to-date information on this major event in Welsh farmers diaries. It also incorporates material on the Winter fair and the Smallholders Show.
Welsh Sheepdog Society
http://www.welsh-sheepdogs.co.uk
Based in Ceredigion, the Welsh Sheepdog Society was set up in 1997 to promote and preserve the ancient Welsh breed of working dog. The website has a page-long history of the breed, a picture gallery and registration information. Suggested by Denis O'Sullivan
LANTRA
http://www.farmwales.co.uk/training
This is the website for the agricultural training organisation that offers courses on health and safety, handling vehicles, environmental maintenance skills and estate maintenance.
For a guide to nature websites click here.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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Do you know about another good rural life website we've missed? Send us your suggestions in Your Say.
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