Farmers use snowploughs to help clear rural roads

As heavy snowfalls continue to disrupt travel across the UK, farmers in rural areas are stepping in to assist with clearing snow-covered roads and helping stranded vehicles.

With snowstorms blocking vital rural routes and isolating communities, many farmers have taken it upon themselves to use their snowploughs and tractors to clear roads and tow vehicles out of trouble.

In areas where snowplough services are scarce or delayed, especially in remote and mountainous regions, farmers have become essential in maintaining access to rural roads.

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These farmers are using their own farm machinery, such as tractors and large vehicles fitted with snowploughs, to clear snow from country lanes and assist in towing cars stuck in deep snow.

In North Yorkshire, farm contractors PR, JM and SR Houlston Agricultural Contractors have been using tractors fitted with snowploughs and gritters to clear rural roads in the Whitby area, as part of a contract with North Yorkshire Council.

The team has been working round the clock since Saturday 4 December to clear snow-filled roads in the Esk Valley.  

Steven Houlston, a partner in the family-run business, said: “The snow came hard and fast and most of our work has involved clearing snow at the top of the moors.

“On lower ground, most of the snow has melted and the fields are now green again, with some flooding in areas.”

Stranded motorists freed

Facebook page North Yorkshire Weather Updates has reported stories of farmers using tractors to clear snow-filled roads and also towing motorists to safety.

One mother thanked farmers for coming to the aid of her stranded daughter and young family being freed in the Thirsk area.

Several photos of farmers using tractors with snowploughs to clear roads across North Yorkshire have been posted on the page.

“This country would grind to a halt if it wasn’t for our fantastic farmers. Well done guys,” said one blogger.

In Dungworth, Sheffield, dairy farm Our Cow Molly posted a video online of its farmers working together with highways maintenance contractors Streets Ahead to clear roads for white vans to deliver milk, cream and butter to 120 local businesses.

Exceptional work today from @sccstreetsahead & the farmers & snow plough both vans got down the steep hill safely & 120 business get their milk, cream & butter delivered as a result.
(Had to tractor the vans out of the carpark 😁. 🚜-🚚) pic.twitter.com/90jdhgmYbJ

— Visit #OurCowMolly 11am – 5pm Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun (@OurCowMolly) January 6, 2025

As the temperatures increased on Monday (6 January), the heavy snow melting in many regions gave way to widespread flooding.

The Environment Agency reported 168 flood warnings on Monday in England. It also reported 311 flood alerts, which indicate that flooding is possible.