FARMERS, land agents and contractors are invited to a free river workshop.

The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Nautral Beauty Partnership will hold the workshop on Feburary 13 at the Hundred House Inn in Purslow, south Shropshire.

The workshop aims to help those who own land on the banks of a river who want to f ind out more about their responsibilities and what they can do to conserve water quality for people and wildlife.

Mike Kelly, river valleys Officer, said: "Various agencies have successfully worked with some landowners to improve the health of rivers in the Clun catchment, but more needs to be done.

"We are keen for attendees to help us identify new opportunities for land management that’s sensitive to the needs of rivers in the area and so help meet targets of achieving crystal clear river water and species-rich banks."

The workshop will be an opportunity to hear about managing riverside trees, and issues such as deadwood and tree diseases, as well as getting pointers on how to stay compliant, including references to cross-compliance, felling licences, invasive species and European protected species in relation to rivers.

Funding schemes for riverside landowners will be explained, including the Freshwater Mussel Project and the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative.

Speakers will include representatives from the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Rivers in the Clun River Catchment include the Clun, Folly Brook, Redlake, Kemp, Onny, Unk, Hopton Brook and the Mardu Brook.

The event runs from 11am to 12.30pm and is followed by lunch.