THE DEVASTATION and isolation caused by foot and mouth is bringing farmers together in Bratton Clovelly.

A farmers' club has been set up in the parish by local minister Stuart Wilson and dairy farmer Chris Gaden, who was one of many who lost their stock in the crisis.

Mr Gaden said his farm was situated at the end of a lane and for 12 months he had hardly seen anyone because of the foot and mouth restrictions.

'We didn't even see any reps and life got a bit lonely,' he said. 'It made me realise how isolating farming can be, especially if you are a one-man band.

'I have lived in the parish for 30 years and there are several people who I really don't know at all.'

The farmers — of which there are 26 in the parish — meet on the third Monday of each month and invite speakers along.

So far, they have included a New Zealander talking about advances in agricultural technology and a marketing expert.

Mr Gaden said farmers had been sitting at home moaning to themselves, but this group gave them an opportunity to talk to others who had been going through the same thing.

'When someone understands what you are going through and you can discuss your problems, it makes you feel better and supporting each other is what this group is all about,' he said.

'All of us who had animals slaughtered felt very, very sorry for ourselves for about three months, until we realised how much trouble it was for farmers who had not had animals taken out.'

Such is the interest in the Bratton Clovelly Farmers Club that it is spreading its wing to include farmers in adjacent parishes.

'At the moment we are concentrating on the social side because I think that it what farmers need, but in time we hope to visit each others' farms, maybe pool resources and look for ways of developing our businesses,' added Mr Gaden.

'Computer training is one of the things that has been mentioned.'

As a group, Bratton Clovelly farmers will also have a bigger voice if they decide to make a protest or write to their local MP on issues regarding agriculture.

'With this kind of local support, we can rise en masse,' said Mr Gaden.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the club, they can phone Mr Gaden on 01837 871437.