David Mitchell and his son James, co-owners of Rumwell Farm Shop and Mitchell Partners Farm in Taunton, Somerset, have been fined thousands following separate environmental pollution offences. Both were prosecuted by the Environment Agency (EA) after incidents involving slurry overflow and soil runoff into local watercourses.
David Mitchell pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates' Court on June 18, 2025, to causing silt, soil, and potatoes to enter a stream near Combe Florey in August and September 2022. This pollution forced local road closures on the A358 due to soil and sediment deposition. David was fined £9,078, including costs, payable within 12 months, in addition to over £35,000 already spent on clean-up, equipment, and compensation to affected landowners.
The pollution stemmed from heavy rainfall that caused 50 to 100 tonnes of soil and residual potatoes from a sloping potato field to wash into the Back Stream. Despite receiving advice and silt fencing from the Somerset Rivers Authority after an earlier August incident, only a small portion of the fencing was used improperly, and soil erosion continued. The farm’s planting pattern, following the slope, further increased runoff risk.
READ MORE: Glastonbury 2025: Neil Young’s Set Streaming Status Uncertain Amid BBC Dispute
READ MORE: Glastonbury Festival Traffic Alert: M5 and A303 Congestion Expected
Environment Agency representative David Womack criticized the lack of proper land management and risk assessment, stating that Mitchell, as an experienced farmer, should have taken adequate precautions to prevent soil erosion and environmental harm.
David Mitchell expressed regret over the event, describing it as a “one-off” caused by an intense thunderstorm. He emphasized cooperation with the EA and swift implementation of recommended measures, noting no lasting damage to aquatic life. He accepted responsibility and called the fine reflective of their previous good practices.
Separately, James Mitchell also appeared in court and pleaded guilty to offences related to an illegal slurry lagoon built at Orchard Farm without EA notification. The lagoon overflowed in November 2023, releasing pig slurry into the Oake Stream. He was fined £500 plus a £200 surcharge, and ordered to cover £4,365 in investigation costs, all payable within 12 months.
The EA had initially visited Orchard Farm in 2021 at James Mitchell’s request to discuss grant-funded roofing work intended to reduce pollution risk. However, the non-compliant slurry store led to pollution before roofing construction began. Following the offences, James cooperated fully, built earth banks to prevent further slurry leakage, and completed roof works by January 2024.
David Womack highlighted that regulations on slurry storage have existed for over 30 years, urging all farmers to understand their environmental responsibilities. He explained that enforcement action is taken when advice is ignored, stressing the importance of proactive compliance.
Commenting on his son’s case, David Mitchell confirmed their commitment to environmental stewardship and investment in proper manure and dirty water storage facilities, including a £230,000 project completed in February 2024 with EA guidance. He emphasized their genuine remorse and dedication to protecting the natural environment.
The prosecutions underline the critical role of responsible farm management in preventing pollution incidents and protecting Somerset’s waterways and countryside.