Farmer fined after driving away in tractor from Environment Agency officer with suspected samples of slurry pollution

The Environment Agency said Neil Dyke had taken suspected samples of pollution from an investigating officer and then drove off in his tractor

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
"Dyke's behaviour was totally unacceptable. We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment." (Environment Agency)
Image:

"Dyke's behaviour was totally unacceptable. We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment." (Environment Agency)

A Wiltshire farmer has been fined more than £4,000 after he refused to let an Environment Agency officer take water samples containing suspected slurry pollution from his farm. The Environment Agency...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Environment

Letters: "Hill farming's role in our traditional integrated agricultural system needs recognition"

Letters: "Hill farming's role in our traditional integrated agricultural system needs recognition"

This week from Farmers Guardian readers: Hilary Wilson, Appleby, highlights concerns about vegetation overgrowth following livestock removal and the importance of hill farming in maintaining biodiversity and landscape heritage

Hilary Wilson
clock 21 April 2026 • 2 min read
Church Commissioners tenants adopt sustainable practices

Church Commissioners tenants adopt sustainable practices

Farmers are increasingly adopting regenerative practices, but research suggests finance remains the biggest barrier to take up. Mia Willemsen reports

clock 20 April 2026 • 4 min read
Major clean-up begins at notorious Kidlington waste site

Major clean-up begins at notorious Kidlington waste site

Criminals dumped waste across 8,000 square metres of land near the A34 in Kidlington which was finally put to an end in October 2025 after officers shut down the site

clock 15 April 2026 • 3 min read