New Multi-Million Pound Action Plan Announced for River Wye Protection

On April 12th, 2024, the Farming Minister unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing the River Wye, committing up to £35 million in funding, along with the establishment of a dedicated ‘River Champion’ and a focused taskforce.

The River Wye, cherished by both locals and tourists, is experiencing environmental degradation attributed to various factors, including climate change, invasive species, and pollution from multiple sources, notably from agricultural activities across the catchment area. In light of recent assessments that downgraded the River Wye as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to ‘Unfavourable – Declining’, the government is swiftly implementing measures to address this critical issue.

The River Wye Action Plan outlines immediate actions to combat pollution and develop sustainable long-term restoration strategies for the river. Key initiatives include mandating that large poultry farms manage their manure more responsibly and providing financial support of up to £35 million for on-farm poultry manure combustion systems to facilitate the safe export of poultry litter from areas where it could contribute to environmental toxicity.

Combusting poultry manure not only generates renewable energy but also transforms waste into nutrient-dense ash, which can serve as an environmentally friendly fertilizer, thus minimizing ecological risks. Any new combustion installations will be subject to regulatory approval, and collaboration with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies will ensure thorough evaluations for environmental and public health protection.

In a notable development, Anthea McIntyre CBE, a former Member of the European Parliament, has been designated as the ‘River Champion’ for the Wye catchment. As a long-time resident of the area and a former local representative, Anthea possesses invaluable insight into regional water and agricultural matters.

As River Champion, she will engage with essential organizations and collaborators to enhance the protection and rehabilitation of the Wye, supporting a holistic catchment plan in partnership with the local Catchment Partnership and citizen scientists, who have been instrumental in unifying farmers and land managers toward a sustainable river restoration effort.

The River Wye Action Plan builds on pre-existing initiatives within the government’s Plan for Water and ongoing farming initiatives designed to accelerate the transition of farmers toward more sustainable practices.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer stated:

The River Wye faces significant challenges, prompting the government’s commitment to restore this vital natural resource and ensure its protection for future generations.

Our strategy aims to drastically cut the nutrient load entering the river, primarily by supporting farmers in adopting more sustainable practices. This effort includes a £35 million funding allocation for on-farm poultry litter combustion technologies and piloting advanced solutions that facilitate organic nutrient sharing among farmers.

I am also delighted to welcome Anthea McIntyre’s appointment, who will lead our on-the-ground efforts to enhance the river’s health.

River Champion Anthea McIntyre CBE commented:

I am truly honored to take on the role of River Wye Champion and am eager to collaborate with all dedicated stakeholders in the Wye Catchment to enhance the health of this vital waterway.

Having lived near the River Wye since my youth and represented this region for many years, I am committed to working together with all involved parties to ensure the river’s restoration and ongoing protection for future generations.

Marc Lidderth, Area Director for the West Midlands at the Environment Agency, stated:

The River Wye is a stunning and critical part of our environment, impacting community wellbeing. This comprehensive plan empowers the Environment Agency to leverage existing collaborations with local farmers and environmental organizations to tackle the issues affecting water quality in the catchment area. Together, we can implement lasting solutions to revive this essential waterway.

Since April 2023, we’ve conducted over 500 inspections on farms within the Wye catchment, aiding farmers in meeting legal standards and identifying more than 315 actions to improve agricultural practices, from enhancing slurry storage to optimized nutrient management. Our regulatory efforts will persist, utilizing satellite imagery and drone technology for effective monitoring.

Emma Johnson, Deputy Director for the West Midlands at Natural England, remarked:

A vibrant and healthy River Wye and catchment area is vital for nature recovery in Herefordshire, benefitting both wildlife and communities. We appreciate the government’s ongoing initiatives that support the diverse range of partners involved in restoring the Wye.

Natural England is offering strategic, nature-positive guidance to numerous farms in the Wye catchment as part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming program, as well as supporting the Wyescapes and Wye Valley – Ridge to River – Landscape Recovery Projects and further developing Herefordshire’s local nature recovery strategy.

The plan includes additional actions such as:

• Establishing equitable regulations for the export of manure from intensive poultry operations with over 40,000 birds by amending Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Demonstrating the benefits of a circular economy in manure management with a Pilot Farm Trial of Micro Anaerobic Digesters (AD) that could enhance rural renewable energy.
• Encouraging improved soil and nutrient retention in agricultural fields through new initiatives in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) set for Summer 2024, promoting practices such as No Till arable farming.
• Allocating £1.5 million for the Wyescapes and Wye Valley – Ridge to River – Landscape Recovery Projects over the next two years, contingent on successful project enrolments.
• Securing funding for the Restoring our Rivers initiative and the Arrow Valley Diversity Project, to be implemented in collaboration with local partners in the upcoming fiscal year.
• Partnering with academia, agricultural entities, and third-sector organizations in both England and Wales to generate new evidence on strategies for farmers to mitigate pollution, particularly from legacy phosphate embedded in soil structures.

The valuable contributions of citizen scientists have enhanced the government’s understanding of the River Wye’s challenges, and this plan aims to fortify those efforts to mitigate and reverse environmental damage.

Improved nutrient management will also yield advantages for farmers, such as decreasing reliance on synthetic fertilizers that represent significant costs. Our commitment to collaborating with communities and stakeholders in both England and Wales will ensure we take essential strides to safeguard the river effectively.