Three farm businesses in Dorset have collectively paid £33,500 to environmental charities following an investigation by the Environment Agency into improper slurry storage practices. The companies—Drummers Farming Limited, Crutchley Farms Partnership and Crockway Farms Ltd—were found to have breached environmental regulations designed to protect waterways and ecosystems. Instead of prosecution, they agreed to enforcement undertakings, committing funds toward environmental improvement projects and implementing corrective measures.
Two of the cases involved pollution incidents caused by poorly managed slurry storage. At Drummers Farming Limited, slurry leaks in spring 2024 contaminated nearby watercourses, including the Leigh Tributary of the Beer Hackett Stream, with harmful ammonia levels detected. The pollution spread over more than a mile downstream, posing risks to aquatic life. The farm has since upgraded storage facilities, improved monitoring systems and contributed £10,000 to conservation efforts led by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Crutchley Farms Partnership was linked to pollution in Mangerton Brook after a pump failure caused slurry to overflow into the stream. The incident led to visible ecological damage and foul conditions extending hundreds of meters downstream. In response, the farm introduced preventive measures such as daily inspections and alert systems, and donated £7,500 to support wetland and tree restoration initiatives through the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
The third case involved Crockway Farms Ltd, an intensive pig farm that installed new slurry storage facilities without obtaining the required environmental permit. Regulations for such farms are strict due to concerns about ammonia emissions and environmental risks. The company addressed compliance issues and contributed £16,000 to the Farm and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, which works to reduce agricultural runoff and flooding.
These enforcement actions highlight the importance of proper slurry management in protecting both the environment and public health. Authorities emphasized that early engagement and compliance with regulations can prevent environmental damage, while the funds contributed by the farms will now support local conservation and restoration projects across Dorset.
