Overwhelming generosity fills Somerset Livestock Market

The overwhelming response to help farmers affected by floods in Somerset has left the South West NFU with more supplies than it can keep.

People from across the UK delivered forage and bedding to Sedgemoor livestock market tohelp keep the animals displaced by flooding on the Somerset Levels.

The South West NFU has thanked everyone who helped but has asked for no more deliveries as they simply cannot find room for any more at the current time.

“What we need now are pledges of fodder and straw or financial donations rather than actual deliveries, so that we can call upon people’s generosity as and when it is required over the coming weeks and months, when the waters finally abate,” said SW regional director Melanie Squires.

Financial donations can be made via the Addington Fund, the Somerset Community Foundation (both of which can take donations specifically to help farmers or smallholders on the Levels) or the Royal Bath & West Society which has started a fund to help with river maintenance.

Donations can also be made to the Farm Community Network and the RABI which are working to help affected farmers.

To pledge offers of help via the regional office on 01392 440700 or email south.west@nfu.org.uk.