Dorset Dairy Farm Fined for River Pollution

A Dorset dairy farm, Manor Farm Dairy Ltd, located in Hilfield near Dorchester, has been penalized following a significant environmental incident involving the discharge of cattle slurry into a watercourse, affecting up to four kilometres of river habitat. On October 8th, at Taunton Magistrates' Court, the farm admitted its culpability and was fined £6,000. Additionally, the court imposed additional costs of £10,158.50. The original penalty of £9,000 was mitigated due to an early guilty plea made by the farm. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing agricultural practices with environmental protection, particularly in sensitive ecological areas.