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Fracking and National Parks, The Moo Shoe, Teaching Farm Safety

Most of Britain's national parks are unsuitable for fracking, say Durham University geologists. And is the 'moo shoe' the first fashion accessory for cows? With Charlotte Smith.

Most of Britain's National Parks are unsuitable for fracking for shale gas, according to a report published today. Geologists at Durham University have studied the rock beneath all 15 parks, and found that only four have the right conditions - the North York Moors, Peak District, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales.

Although farming remains one of the Uk's most dangerous occupations any mention of a farm safety course is likely to inspire groans rather than enthusiasm. All this week we're looking at the agricultural industry's safety record, and ways of improving it. The NFU Mutual's Farm Safety Foundation has decided to turn what was once a dry lecture with occasional diagrams into an immersive experience for agricultural students . It's devised a day training event specially for colleges.... The first one was held at Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire.

And the Moo Shoe - a simple idea that could save farmers thousands of pounds. And it is pretty much what it sounds - a shoe for cattle. It's been designed by students in Ireland, and has won an innovation competition. The idea is that putting rubber shoes on cows will keep out bacteria and the wet and so help reduce lameness.

Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Mark Smalley.

13 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 30 Apr 2015 05:45

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