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With offices in Alnwick, Wolsingham, Bedale, Tyne Valley and London, we can offer you a comprehensive range of professional property services that combine the most up to date national market expertise with a down to earth approach rooted firmly in our commitment to and knowledge of the region.
Most importantly, all our services are provided by partners and staff who understand that your property is likely to be your most valuable asset, and who act accordingly. Our reputation depends entirely on the quality of service we provide, and the success we achieve on your behalf.
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Services we Provide:
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Services News
Climate Change Research
Hugh Fell's and Richard Garland's recent presentation on climate change at the recent North Sheep 2007 event sparked much discussion and debate. Here, Richard suggests some principal effects which may impact on the north east agricultural industry. If you have any comments or queries on this topic, please contact Richard or Hugh on 01665 603231.
Predicted Climate Changes for the North East
Predictions made using the UK Climate
Temperature
Mean Temperature predicted to increase for all times of the year for the whole of the North East region.
Increase in the temperature is predicted to be greater for the East side of the country, which is already subject to higher temperatures.
Increases in the order of 1ΊC by the 2020s and 2 ΊC by the 2050s are predicted.
Precipitation
Annual precipitation shows a predicted decrease to the annual average of around 1-2% by the 2020s and 3-5% by the 2050s.
Precipitation shows an increasingly seasonal pattern of change, with summer precipitations decreasing and winter precipitations increasing.
Summer precipitations are predicted to decrease by the order of 8-10% by the 2020s and by 14 25% in the 2050s. Winter precipitations are predicted to increase by the order of 4 6% by the 2020s and by the order of 8 14% by the 2050s.
The precipitation changes are more apparent in the East of the region, which is already distinctly drier. This leads to an increasingly different climate between east and west.
Soil Moisture
Soil moisture is also predicted to become increasingly seasonally variable, with the changes in precipitation and temperature leading to a significantly larger summer moisture deficit.
Soil moisture in East of region is predicted to show greater changes than in south.
Other Climate Changes
Storm Frequency is predicted to increase
The variability of the weather between years is set to increase
The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is set to increase.
Mean wind speed to increase in winter but decrease in summer.
Impacts of the Predicted Climate on North East Agriculture
Potential for improved productivity and new crops in the region due to increased temperatures and degree days, leading to a northward shift in agricultural practices.
Decreased precipitation during the growing season, leading to increased moisture stress of crops, especially during the grain filling time of cereals. Predicted to be more severe in the east of the region.
Decreased precipitation during the growing season, leading to decreased grass productivity and response to nitrogen fertilizers. Predicted to be more severe in the east of the region.
In response to falling summer precipitations, farmers may seek to maximise spring flush of grass via high nitrogen application and heavy conservation cuts in the form of silage, which may be used to top up summer grazing.
Warmer, wetter winters leading to decreased die-off of pests and diseases, disease regimes will shift northwards, affecting both arable crops and livestock.
Increased risk of flooding and winter poaching of land due to higher winter precipitation. Changing climate may mean increased or decreased need for winter housing depending on farm characteristics.
Water supplies becoming increasingly important. Reliable water supply will prove to be increasingly important and valued commodity.
Altered weather patterns may require changing the timing of agricultural practices.
Increased temperatures would mean the chances of heat stress in animals become greater, especially relevant to those housed during summer.
Decreased summer and autumn precipitation may lead to increasingly unreliability of autumn sown crops.
Increased winter precipitation and the possible need for increased housing may lead to increasing waste disposal problems of effluents and solid wastes.
Wetter land during winter may lead to a decrease in the number of days the land can be accessed by vehicles, to spread waste, cultivate and perform other operations. This would be offset due to the decreased number of days the land would be frozen, depending on farm characteristics.
Summary
The predicted scale of Climate change for the North East will not bring about an overnight collapse of agriculture in the region.
The predicted changes will however have the potential to significantly affect the regions farm businesses.
The changes outlined above are general trends, suggested by the trends in climate. The actual effect based on each farm will be determined by a complex matrix of factors.
The adaptive capacity of different farms will be highly variable.
What proved to be detrimental for one farm may be an opportunity for others.
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