Are you a CLA or NFU member who farms in the River Wye catchment in Herefordshire?
Are you affected by the planning moratorium?
Can you help us demonstrate how landowners & farmers are working to improve water quality in the River Wye?
Can you spare 10 minutes to complete the NFU/CLA quick questionnaire?
The Rivers Wye and Lugg SAC (Special Area of Conservation) have to meet statutory water quality targets. The River Lugg currently fails its targets, and the River Wye is at risk of failing. The agriculture sector has therefore been asked to reduce its phosphate contribution to the river or potentially face additional regulation.
Many farmers and landowners in the area have embraced initiatives such as Farm Herefordshire and have tried new techniques to reduce phosphate loss e.g. cover cropping. The NFU and CLA would like to understand more about how you farm and what you have done to manage phosphate and diffuse pollution risk. If we can’t demonstrate the agricultural sector’s commitment to improving water quality, then there is a risk of greater regulatory controls through designation as a Water Protection Zone.
The results of this survey, developed in partnership between the NFU and CLA, will help us to represent your businesses at Wye Nutrient Management Board and demonstrate the commitment to playing our part in improving water quality in the River Wye.
You can find the questionnaire HERE
If you would like to discuss the issues further, share your views or become more involved with the helping to deliver the nutrient management plan then contact:
Sarah Faulkner, NFU West Midlands, 07817 726 190 sarah.faulkner@nfu.org.uk
Helen Dale, CLA Midlands, 07811 199 657 helen.dale@cla.org.uk
