Plans for improving water quality
The plans contain actions that are considered necessary to improve the quality of water. Currently only around a quarter of water bodies in England meet required ecological standards.
When the plans are published it is important that farmers have a look at the solutions being suggested in their area. Key areas are nutrients (from organic or bagged fertilisers), soil protection, pesticides, and bacteria.
The NFU will be responding to the consultations through our Regional offices.
How can farmers help protect and improve water quality?
Take part in Catchment Sensitive Farming through events and meetings taking place in priority areas - there may be opportunities for grant funding towards making improvements that benefit water quality e.g. covering slurry stores.
Choosing to put measures in place on a voluntary basis, such as those promoted by the Campaign for the Farmed Environment e.g. grass buffer strips and winter cover crops.
Improving whole-farm nutrient planning using tools available from Tried & Tested.
Best practice pesticide stewardship advice can be found through the Voluntary Initiative.
Following the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for advice on minimising the impact of farming activities.
Get involved in Catchment Based Approach activities on your local river.
Other initiatives are delivering improvements locally in partnership with farmers e.g. water companies and charities.
Many agri-environment scheme options will be providing benefits to water quality e.g. watercourse fencing,undersown spring cereals.
Cross-compliance requirements e.g. no spread zones provide basic protection of water.