Nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) map

The European Commission (EC) nitrates directive requires areas of land that drain into waters polluted by nitrates to be designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). Farmers with land in NVZs have to follow mandatory rules to tackle nitrate loss from agriculture. 

The existing regulations implementing the Nitrates Directive for both England and Wales are being reviewed and new regulations will replace them from January 2013. Our role has been to advise Defra and the Welsh Government in proposing NVZs.

The NVZ map shows the NVZ boundaries which are expected to apply from 1 January 2013.

You can see the boundaries and also retrieve summaries of the underlying data analysis. You can search for your land by entering your postcode or a place name in the search box.

• Guidance on Nitrate Vulnerable Zones