REDUCING flooding in West Cumbria through effective field drainage is the aim of an upcoming workshop.

Farmers are invited to the workshop about soil and improving field drainage. It will be held at Santon Bridge Village Hall on June 24 from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

The event is being organised by the West Cumbria Rivers Trust.

Jodie Mills, director of the Trust, said: "Soil compaction reduces field productivity and water infiltration rates meaning that water reaches rivers more quickly during heavy rain increasing the risk of flooding downstream. Best practice soil management not only ‘slows the flow’ of water to reduce peaks in flooding but also improves crop yields and saves farmers money."

The workshop is set to feature Neville Pearson, a soil and water engineer, who will talk about field drains, ditches, the importance of soil structure in field drainage, how to assess for soil compaction and how to alleviate any damage that has been caused to the soil structure.

Bob Timmins, of Catchment Sensitive Farming, will also give an update on funding opportunities available to farms within West Cumbria.

Lunch will be provided. To book contact Chris West 07496590987.