SOUTH West NFU is asking people not to take any more deliveries of forage and bedding to Somerset to help flood-hit farmers.

Thanks to the generosity of people from across the country who have responded to the appeal, the immediate needs of farmers on the Somerset Levels have been met.

The NFU says the livestock market at Sedgmoor is now at capacity and no more supplies can be accepted.

Instead, people are being asked to pledge offers of help via the regional office on 01392 440700 or email south.west@nfu.org.uk “What we need now are pledges of fodder and straw or financial donations rather than actual deliveries, so that we can call upon people’s generosity as and when it is required over the coming weeks and months, when the waters finally abate,” said SW regional director Melanie Squires.

Financial donations can be made via the Addington Fund, the Somerset Community Foundation (both of which can take donations specifically to help farmers or smallholders on the Levels) or the Royal Bath & West Society which has started a fund to help with river maintenance.

Donations can also be made to the Farm Community Network and the RABI which are working to help affected farmers.