Scientists go airborne to understand soil erosion

A drone flies high overhead, gathering evidence of soil erosion in a Worcestershire potato field.

On the ground it is pretty obvious what’s happening, there is a huge crack running from the top of the field to the bottom, deep enough to swallow a boot at some points.

This erosion is caused by heavy rain and it is a problem that is getting worse according to farmer Alan Moule, who blames "the amount of rainfall we’re getting”.

As the climate changes, heavier downpours do more damage to the soil beneath, but for a farmer the question of how to tackle it is a difficult one.

Mr Moule has already taken several fields out of potato production, grassing them over for pasture instead.

Those grass roots will hold onto the soil and stop it being swept away.

But taking farmland out of production like this is a difficult decision.