According to the latest HSE figures, ATVs were the biggest single cause of work-related fatal injury in agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2024/25 with 7 fatalities including two children.
In response, we are taking decisive action with the launch of a powerful new initiative: a nationwide bursary offering 100 farmers across the UK the chance to receive fully funded, industry-accredited training in the safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Delivered in partnership with Lantra, this initiative is designed to upskill agricultural workers and hopefully reduce the number of serious incidents involving ATVs on our farms.
The bursary, aimed at supporting farmers of ALL ages, will fund 100 Lantra-accredited ATV training courses, ensuring those 100 lucky recipients gain the essential skills and knowledge to operate all-terrain vehicles safely and responsibly.
The Yellow Wellies bursary, aimed at supporting farmers of ALL ages, will fund 100 Lantra-accredited ATV training courses, ensuring those 100 lucky recipients gain the essential skills and knowledge to operate all-terrain vehicles safely and responsibly.
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, explains: “We know that ATVs are essential tools on many farms, but they can also be incredibly dangerous when used without proper training. By launching this bursary, we’re removing one of the key barriers – cost – and giving those working on farms the opportunity to learn how to use these machines safely and confidently.”
L-R Megan Bailey, Sam Griffin (Logic), Stephanie Berkeley, Andrew Palmer (Lantra), Clegg Bamber (Lantra)
As part of this initiative, the Farm Safety Foundation will fund 100 fully accredited Lantra ATV training courses for individuals working in agriculture. Successful applicants will be matched with the nearest available Lantra training provider to ensure accessibility and convenience.
According to Clegg Bamber MBE, Head of Communications, Lantra: “ATVs are really versatile vehicles and serve many purposes on farms across the UK At Lantra, we hear, sadly, all too often of people suffering serious injuries, and sometimes fatalities, due to riding on an ATV.
Lantra are proud to partner with the Farm Safety Foundation on this newly announced bursary scheme as developing people’s knowledge, and skills will ensure that people remain safe when using ATVs across farms, reducing serious injuries and fatalities from occurring.”
The bursary will be open to anyone currently working in agriculture or studying at a land-based college or university in the UK. New riders will gain the knowledge of how to safely use an ATV including pre-ride inspections, checking the ATV is in good working condition, as well as health and safety checks before riding the vehicle. More experienced operators can also benefit as the training also covers practical skills, such as basic manoeuvres, and how to use ATVs across differing and sometimes challenging terrain.
As an added incentive, every participant who completes the course will also receive a high-quality Logic helmet reinforcing the vital messages that the charity have been sharing through their partnership with RSABI for the #UseYourHead campaign over the past year.
Stephanie adds: “With our fully funded training we‘re offering a real opportunity for all farmers to enhance their knowledge, improve on-farm safety and meet growing expectations around professional standards in agriculture. This bursary will give those working in the industry the chance to gain vital skills that could one day save their own life or someone else’s.
The bursary has been made possible thanks to the generosity of those who fundraise and donate to us. It’s a powerful reminder that when you give to us, we give back. Every contribution helps fund life-saving education, practical training, and initiatives like this that are changing the culture of safety on UK farms. By investing in training, we’re investing in people and we hope this inspires farmers of all ages to take a moment, think twice and choose to work smarter and safer every single day.”
Applications for the ATV Bursary open today and are available by CLICKING HERE.
