Land Based: Synoptic Assignment Preparation

Synoptic assignment:
The point at which we start this section depends upon the successful completion of the 3 content areas listed (Land use, Science & Technology).

After the November mock exams, we will complete a previous Synoptic Assignment together and I will then mark them to the standards set out by our awarding body. From this, you can plan improvements to your methods etc.
No Later than the end of February, you will complete the "unseen" assignment set by the awarding body in examination conditions.
Your work, along with my record sheets will be uploaded to the awarding body for moderation.

Legislation: 1
The Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974 (HSWA) is a fundamental piece of legislation in the UK that applies to all workplaces, including farms. It outlines the responsibilities of employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to ensure health, safety, and welfare at work. For farmers, the Act is highly relevant because agriculture involves various risks, including machinery, chemicals, animals, and manual handling. Key points include:
Duties of Employers (Farm Owners/Managers):
• Provide safe systems of work and maintain safe equipment and machinery.
• Ensure the workplace is free of hazards that could cause harm to employees, contractors, or visitors.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential dangers.
Responsibilities of Employees:
• Follow safety procedures and use equipment responsibly.
• Report hazards or unsafe practices to their employer.
Specific Risks for Farmers:
• Machinery Safety: Ensuring all equipment is maintained and used according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Chemical Handling: Proper storage, handling, and use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other hazardous substances.
• Animal Handling: Training and precautions to prevent injuries from livestock.
• Working at Heights: Preventing falls, particularly during maintenance of buildings or silos.
• Vehicle Safety: Safe operation and maintenance of tractors and other farm vehicles.
Regulatory Compliance:
Farmers must comply with regulations stemming from the HSWA, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to accidents, legal penalties, or financial loss. By adhering to the HSWA, farmers can create a safer environment for themselves, their workers, and the public.

Legislation: 2
The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 is a key piece of legislation in England and Wales that sets out responsibilities for anyone responsible for animals, including farmers. It ensures that animals under human care are treated humanely and have their welfare needs met. This is especially relevant to farmers because of their role in raising and managing livestock. Key points include:
Key Provisions for Farmers:
Duty of Care:
Farmers have a legal duty to ensure the welfare of the animals they are responsible for. This includes providing:
• A suitable environment (housing and shelter).
• A suitable diet (adequate food and water).
• The ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns (e.g., enough space to move).
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
• Accommodation with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate.
Prevention of Harm:
• Farmers must avoid causing unnecessary suffering to animals through neglect, abuse, or improper management.
• This includes ensuring humane methods of handling, transport, and slaughter.
Enforcement and Penalties:
• Inspectors can take action if animal welfare standards are not met. This may include issuing improvement notices or seizing animals.
• Breaches can result in fines, bans on keeping animals, or imprisonment.
Specific Relevance to Farmers:
• Livestock Management: Ensuring animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry are kept in conditions that promote good health and welfare.
• Veterinary Care: Prompt treatment for sick or injured animals.
• Transportation: Compliance with regulations on the transport of livestock to reduce stress and injury.
• Breeding Practices: Avoiding practices that can cause harm or suffering to animals.
Codes of Practice:
• The Act supports various Codes of Practice for different types of animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs). These provide detailed guidance on meeting welfare standards and are often referred to during inspections.
By following the Animal Welfare Act 2006, farmers not only ensure legal compliance but also promote ethical farming practices, which can enhance productivity, animal health, and public trust in their operations.

Legislation: 3
Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is a key piece of UK legislation aimed at protecting wildlife, natural habitats, and the countryside. It is especially relevant to farmers because agricultural practices can significantly impact local ecosystems. The Act provides guidelines and restrictions to balance farming activities with conservation efforts. Key points include:
Key Provisions for Farmers:
Protection of Wildlife:
• It is an offense to intentionally kill, injure, or take wild birds, mammals, or certain other protected species.
• Disturbing or destroying nests, eggs, or habitats of protected species is prohibited.
• Certain pest species may be controlled, but only within legal limits.
Conservation of Habitats:
• Protects designated areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) from damaging activities, including inappropriate farming practices.
• Farmers must avoid actions that could harm these protected sites, such as overgrazing, ploughing, or applying chemicals.
Examples of inappropriate farming include:
• Intensive Farming: The overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can reduce biodiversity by poisoning wildlife, disrupting food chains, and destroying habitats.
• Monoculture Farming: Growing the same crop over large areas for extended periods can lead to a loss of plant and animal diversity, as it may eliminate habitats for many species.
• Drainage of Wetlands: Draining wetlands for agriculture can destroy crucial habitats for many species of birds, amphibians, and other wildlife, leading to a reduction in their populations.
• Destruction of Hedgerows or Woodlands: Hedgerows and small woodlands are important habitats for many species. Removing or damaging these features to create more land for farming can have a severe negative impact on biodiversity.
• Overgrazing: Allowing livestock to graze too much on a piece of land can lead to the destruction of vegetation and soil degradation, which in turn affects the local wildlife that depends on that vegetation.
• Disturbance During Key Wildlife Periods: Farming practices that disturb wildlife during critical times, such as breeding seasons or migration periods, can be harmful. This includes actions like ploughing fields at sensitive times or using heavy machinery near nesting sites.
Control of Invasive Species:
• Farmers are prohibited from introducing or allowing the spread of non-native species that could harm native wildlife and ecosystems.
Regulation of Pesticides and Chemicals:
• Controls are in place to ensure that the use of pesticides and

Legislation: 4
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000 (CROW Act) is a significant piece of legislation in England and Wales designed to improve public access to the countryside while protecting natural landscapes and wildlife. For farmers, the Act is particularly relevant as it balances the rights of landowners with those of the public. Key points include:
Key Provisions for Farmers:
Public Access Rights:
• Introduced the "Right to Roam," granting public access to certain types of land, including mountains, moorland, heath, downland, and registered common land.
• Farmers must allow access to designated areas but can restrict it for specific reasons, such as lambing, farming operations, or conservation.
Management of Rights of Way:
• Farmers must maintain public rights of way, such as footpaths, bridleways, and byways, ensuring they are not obstructed.
• Gates, stiles, and other access points must be kept in good condition.
Protection of Wildlife and Habitats:
• Strengthened the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) by increasing penalties for damage and providing powers to enforce management agreements.
• Landowners are prohibited from conducting activities that could harm SSSIs without appropriate consent.
Land Management and Conservation:
• Encourages sustainable land management practices to protect natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Promotes cooperation between farmers, conservation bodies, and local authorities.
Restrictions and Exemptions:
• Farmers can apply for temporary restrictions on public access for specific reasons, such as public safety, farming activities, or wildlife protection.
• Certain areas, like farmyards and cultivated fields, are excluded from the Right to Roam.
Relevance to Farmers:
• Managing Public Access: Farmers must balance the needs of visitors with farming operations and ensure public safety without compromising agricultural productivity.
• Compliance with Conservation Goals: Ensures farming practices align with environmental regulations, particularly in or near protected areas.
• Avoiding Legal Issues: Failing to comply with access or conservation obligations can result in penalties or enforcement action.
• Public Engagement: The Act encourages positive interaction with visitors, enhancing the reputation of the farming community.
By adhering to the CROW Act, farmers contribute to countryside preservation, support public enjoyment of rural spaces, and ensure sustainable land use.

Legislation: 5
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act of 2006 (NERC Act) aims to protect and enhance the natural environment, promote biodiversity, and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For farmers, this legislation is particularly relevant because it influences land management practices, conservation efforts, and the relationship between farming and the rural community.
Key Provisions for Farmers:
Biodiversity Duty:
• Public authorities, including those working with farmers, have a duty to consider biodiversity in their activities and decision-making.
• Farmers are encouraged to adopt practices that protect and enhance biodiversity on their land, such as conserving hedgerows, ponds, and woodlands.
Protection of Wildlife and Habitats:
• Reinforces the protection of species and habitats listed as priorities under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
• Farmers must avoid activities that could harm protected species or damage critical habitats.
Rights of Way and Access:
• Ensures continued public access to rural areas while safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of landowners.
Rural Community Support:
• Promotes sustainable rural development by supporting farming practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship.
• Encourages diversification of rural businesses, helping farmers to explore eco-tourism, renewable energy projects, or other enterprises.
Regulation of Activities Affecting the Environment:
• Prevents harmful activities, such as unregulated off-road vehicle use, that could damage landscapes or habitats on farmland.
Establishment of Natural England:
• Created Natural England, the body responsible for overseeing conservation, public access, and land management initiatives, providing support and guidance to farmers.
Relevance to Farmers:
• Sustainable Land Management: Farmers are encouraged to use methods that enhance biodiversity while maintaining agricultural productivity.
• Access to Support and Funding: Natural England and other agencies provide grants and advice to help farmers comply with the Act and participate in conservation schemes.
• Legal Compliance: Avoiding penalties by ensuring farming practices do not harm protected species, habitats, or the rural environment.
• Community Engagement: Enhances the relationship between farmers, rural communities, and the public, contributing to the vitality of rural areas.
By aligning their practices with the NERC Act, farmers play a crucial role in preserving the natural environment, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable rural development.

Planned research:

Part 1: Risk assessment:

Part 2: Soil testing & analysis:

Part 3: Written report:

Part 4a: Feeding animals:

Part 4b: Handling animals:

Part 4c: Animal Health check: