Farmers go above and beyond during Storm Darragh
© ArchivalSurvival/Alamy Stock Photo As Storm Darragh unleashed its fury across the UK, British farmers once again demonstrated their vital role in the community, clearing fallen trees and debris from roads and helping to restore order amid the chaos.
Their swift action ensured rural communities could stay connected despite the storm’s widespread damage.
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In Cambridgeshire, farmer Matt Styles reported on X that he spent half an hour on Saturday 7 December cutting up fallen trees with a chainsaw to clear a rural road in Whittlesey.
When no one else can come save you, you have to call a farmer 💪🏻 Jokes aside this tree across a road on my way to work took me half hour with a chainsaw to clear. Allowing every other driver to get to their destination. No thanks needed but was nice a few said so👌🏻🌬️ #StormDaragh pic.twitter.com/XqaNdUpQw6
— Matt Styles 🐑🐕 (@honestfarmer_) December 7, 2024
One fellow farmer said he should “invoice the council” for his work.
Norfolk livestock and arable farmer Chris Eglington said he, like many farmers across the country, was out clearing fallen trees from across roads on Sunday 8 December.
Another tree down smaller than yesterday, like farmrts all over the country we will be helping clear roads ,but perhaps shouldn’t bother @agricontract @wheat_daddy @TWBFarms what will happen when farmers don’t help? pic.twitter.com/2VUCCfHCpP
— Chris Eglington (@Uglysticks) December 8, 2024
He asked: “What will happen when farmers don’t help?”
Despite their efforts to help others, many farmers faced the brunt of the storm themselves.
Nine cows were killed after a power cable fell at a farm in west Cornwall. The incident occurred on Saturday 7 December at Higher Bojewyan near Pendeen, where the livestock had sought shelter under a hedge.
Storm Darragh’s aftermath is yet another reminder of the critical and multifaceted role farmers play, extending far beyond food production.
One farmer, who did not wish to be named, said: “This storm shows what farmers do for the country every day – keeping roads clear, supporting local communities, and safeguarding the countryside. We are the backbone of rural Britain.”
As cleanup efforts continue, farmers’ actions during the storm demonstrate the broader value of agriculture to society – a testament to their commitment to both their industry and their neighbours.
Across the country, many farmers and rural workers selflessly clearing storm damage from roads this weekend…at a time when this government seems so determined to destroy their livelihoods. So short sighted – farmers are key to our food production and environmental security. pic.twitter.com/2MrI5qxhjx
— Charlie Herbert (@Charlie533080) December 8, 2024
Big THANK YOU to all the farmers out removing trees from our lanes and country roads. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/SXuPKz8Sh8
— Robert Abel (@rj_abel) December 7, 2024
https://x.com/rj_abel/status/1865358819657715988