Catchment Sensitive Farming is a proactive approach to diffuse pollution. Reducing agricultural sources of pollution within river catchments, through land management practices, we can ensure emissions to water are consistent with ecological requirements.
In England
The England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI) is a joint venture between Natural England and ourselves, funded by Defra, and working in 50 priority catchments. It delivers practical solutions and targeted advice to enable farmers and land managers to take action to protect water bodies and the wider environment.
Full details on the ECSFDI, including information on the Capital Grants Scheme, a full list of priority catchments and Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer (CSFO) contacts, can be found on the Defra website.
As part of the ECSFDI, activities such as workshops, seminars and farm demonstrations will be taking place across England. For details visit the Natural England website.
In Wales
The Welsh Catchment Initiative is run by Environment Agency Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). The scheme works in six priority catchments in Wales where diffuse pollution has been identified as a major threat to water quality. The six catchments are the Cain, Cleddau, Clwyd, Teifi, Usk and Wye.
The initiative provides resources for a dedicated catchment coordinator, delivering practical advice and guidance to farmers and land managers within the catchment. Activities include workshops, seminars, demonstrations and individual farm visits.
For further details email catchmentinitiative@environment-agency.gov.uk or see the project summary, Tackling diffuse pollution (PDF 210KB).
