The Stroud MP's weekly column.

The Environment Secretary George Eustice paid a visit to the Stroud constituency last week to join me for a meeting with local farmers to discuss rural issues.

We went to the fantastic Godsells Farm in Leonard Stanley, which is run by Liz Godsell, for the meeting with them, another farmer David Barton and the local NFU.

It was really important such a senior government minister came to Stroud to listen to how farmers are doing and to hear their concerns. We talked about various rural issues, innovations and the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

We were shown around the free-range dairy farm that has diversified into making cheese and supplying milk to local people via a vending machine. It has also applied to the stewardship scheme for a new farm roof to prevent pollution runoff by keeping the rain off the farm’s yard.

These are changing times for agriculture following the UK leaving the EU and it’s important the minister and myself hear views from those who are our food producers and the custodians of the countryside.

It’s also a big thank you to all those who attended and especially to Liz and Bryan for allowing myself and the minister to visit and see their wonderful farm.

I know the minister was pleased he came and he was impressed with what he saw.

Now spring is really with us, people are going out even more into the countryside. The pandemic has also seen a big increase in people visiting and there have been problems, not least with livestock worrying by dogs.

The Countryside Code lays out everyone’s responsibility. This includes having dogs on the lead or in sight, making sure gates are closed , taking litter home. Please do all you can to get fresh air, enjoy the great outdoors but also be respectful.