The Melplash Agricultural Society is working hard to continue its work throughout the years and keep in contact with the local community.

The charity, which works through the year to promote farming, agriculture, horticulture and food production, was able to hold its annual showcase event, the Melplash Show, this year.

However, it has adapted and moved some of its production online, as well as now launching virtual webinars.

A spokesman for the Melplash Agricultural Society said: "Discover Farming, an education programme, which is run by the society, has produced online lessons which were published during lockdown. Normally schools would be able to visit the classroom at Washingpool Farm, but visits were not possible this year and online lessons and videos were generated so learning could continue at home.

"In the meantime, the Discover Farming team is working on producing more online and interactive activities which will be rolled out in the coming weeks."

The society is also launching a series of webinars with society president, Nigel Jones, who will host informal chats with various experts and anyone can watch from the comfort of their own homes.

The spokesman added: "The first free event is planned for Wednesday, November 11 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The society will be welcoming partners from the leading firms of agricultural and property advisors in the area, Greenslade Taylor Hunt and Symonds and Sampson, chatting about a wide range of interesting subjects and followed by an interactive Q&A session.

"Justin Lowe and Philp Hodgkin of GTH will be talking about the impacts of Covid-19 and people moving to the area together with farm subsidies and rents, whilst Ross Willmington and Will Wallis of S&S will be giving us the benefit of their thoughts on Countryside Stewardship issues and farm diversification including equestrian matters.

"It will be a fascinating early evening discussion, especially to see the two firms in conversation with each other."

Further webinars are planned for the end of November, dealing with horticultural matters and another just before Christmas welcoming some local food and drink suppliers.

Full details of the webinar are available here

For more information about Discover Farming and the resources available, visit its website.