Best Practice Showcase for the Catchment Based Approach

Best Practice Showcase for the Catchment-Based Approach

In recent years it has been increasingly recognised that enhancing the delivery of ecosystem services through better catchment management should not only be the responsibility of the public sector, but also the private and third sectors.

Alongside this movement towards shared responsibility, there is also now a growing body of evidence that far greater environmental improvements can be achieved if all of the groups actively involved in regulation, land management, scientific research or wildlife conservation in a catchment area are drawn together with landowners and other interest groups to form a catchment management partnership.

In response to this increased understanding of the potential benefits of participatory catchment planning, undertaken with local stakeholders and knowledge providers, in 2011, Defra announced that the UK Government was committed to adopting a more ‘catchmentbased approach’ to sharing information, working together and coordinating efforts to protect England’s water environment.

Now in 2014, there are 109 newly formed Catchment-Based Approach partnerships covering catchments across the whole of England and the cross-border areas of Wales and Scotland.

Westcountry Rivers Trust Rain Charm House, Kyl Cober Parc, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall PL17 8PH tel: 01579 372140; email: info@wrt.org.uk; web: www.wrt.org.uk This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

The copyright of all material remains with the originators unless otherwise stated.

Overview This Catchment-Based Approach collection of case studies has been created using funding from the EU WaterLIFE Project to showcase all of the great work being undertaken by catchment partnerships across the country. By sharing best practice we aim to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure that CaBA Hosts can benefit from all of the lessons that have been learnt over the years by those engaged in catchment management.

To make it easier to find information that is useful to you, we have divided the case studies into four sections and classified the information into three types:

1 2 3 4

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Image: River Teign by Nick Paling

Tools & approaches

Help & guidance

Case Studies

1

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

An integrated stakeholder-driven assessment of a catchment will enable us to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face and, following this, to develop a strategic, targeted, balanced and therefore cost-effective catchment management intervention plan.

To achieve this we need to engage with catchment stakeholders and build diverse, engaged and empowered catchment partnerships comprised of environmental practitioners, businesses, community groups and interested members of the public.

Once brought together, these partnerships can work to develop a shared understanding of the issues in their catchment, to build a consensus about what actions need to be delivered and to agree on their shared vision for their catchment in the future.

Image: Working on-farm in Devon by Nick Paling

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Blueprint for Water & Save Our Waters Blueprint for Water members led by WWF The Blueprint for Water (BfW), first launched in

will be launched, based on their five main goals:

2006, is a broad coalition of 16 likeminded

use water wisely, protect and restore wildlife,

environmental,

manage floods, stop pollution and join up water

water

efficiency

and

fisheries

organisations, brought together by the Wildlife and Countryside Link and all with a bold plan: to revolutionise the way water is managed in England for the benefit of people and wildlife. Together with the members and supporters of its constituent groups, BfW forms a dedicated movement of over six million people.

management.

In 2014, BfW has also launched an online campaign called Save Our Waters, which allows individuals and groups to easily respond to the current River Basin Management Plan consultation.

The site offers users the option of completing either a short or longer questionnaire (depending

All of BfW members are passionate about the

on levels of technical knowledge and time

health of our rivers, beaches, ponds, estuaries and

capacity) that have been designed in collaboration

other wild places. All are working to understand

with the Environment Agency.

the problems facing our water environments and to develop solutions to those problems. They collaborate with Government, water companies, regulators, scientists and other civil society groups to provide sound, evidence-based policy advice.

Anyone (individuals, organisations) can visit the site and complete the questionnaire. The site provides background detail about the River Basin Management Plans to ensure it is as accessible as possible. Once complete, the response is sent to

The previous work of BfW has included the

the Environment Agency. The site is designed for

publication of two Blueprints for Water, in 2006

everyone to use. No prior knowledge about River

and 2010, which have described the steps needed

Basin Management Plans is required.

to achieve a sustainable water environment.

However, progress has been slow, and more action is needed. In 2015, a revised Blueprint for Water

www.saveourwaters.org.uk

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

The Catchment-Based Approach Website National Catchment Support Group led by The Rivers Trust The Catchment-Based Approach (CaBA) Support Team is comprised of representatives of some of the environmental Non-Government Organisations who have been most active in river catchment management over recent years, and who have developed a package of support to sit alongside the local Catchment Partnership Fund grants.

The CaBA Support Team organise conferences, workshops and run the website, forum and newsletters to keep CaBA partnerships informed about best-practice, case-studies and training which is available to support their work under the Catchment-Based Approach.

CaBA Film - youtu.be/mtEz4ZMPGP8 The CaBA National Website is designed to fulfil three main objectives: 1) to act as a showcase of best practice and case studies in catchment partnership working; 2) to provide catchment partnerships with somewhere to communicate the work they have done, and 3) to provide an online community forum where members of the CaBA Community from across the country can meet and exchange expertise, experiences and lessons learnt.

www.catchmentbasedapproach.org

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Towards Hydrocitizenship Arts and Humanities Research Council Connected Communities Project Water is a fundamental resource for society, and at present a range of challenging water issues face communities in the UK and internationally. These include concerns over flooding, sea level rise, climate change, drought and supply security, water quality, biodiversity and landscape quality, access for recreation, water and energy (e.g. fracking), effective urban drainage, and waste management.

Towards Hydrocitizenship joins a growing body of academic and policy initiatives which seek to address local hydrospheres (interconnected water flows and exchanges) holistically, in ways which address these interdependent issues on catchment and systems based scales.

This approach is an adapted version of participant action research. The project teams will spend time exploring water issues and resources in the round in a selected area, and social issues, and seek to develop projects with relevant individuals, groups and communities. The projects will be arts based (e.g. film, story-telling, oral history, site specific performance, guided walks) (but can incorporate scientific data) and will seek to generate ‘win-win’ synergies across eco-social challenges with water as a key focus. The work will explore connections

within communities and between communities – those connections ranging between harmonious and conflictual, and latent or extant, human and non-human.

Funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council this project brings together teams from arts, academic, governance, SME and third sector communities to work with local communities on a range of water based eco-social issues.

For more information contact Prof. Owain Jones at Bath Spa University. Email: o.jones@bathspa.ac.uk

www.hydrocitizenship.com

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Downstreams CIC Simon Redding & Anthony Parsons Downstreams is a non-profit social enterprise that

who are a long way from the catchment, but from

uses

people who live in the area and know the local

an

online

platform

to

help

to

build

connections between communities along a river.

environment.

Downstream communities can be affected by

Their role is not to deliver solutions, but to explain

floods, environmental pollution and biodiversity

problems associated with the river in an area and

issues from their river. Upstream communities are

elicit solutions that contribute towards solving

often the source of these issues, but do not have

these problems. They specifically look for solutions

the capability to create change and improve the

that

situation.

mitigating impacts.

Downstreams' aim is to alleviate these problems by

Downstreams are a national organisation who

joining individuals and businesses along the river

facilitate action in local catchments. As such, they

together both socially and financially - to look after

are interested in making contact with local

their river and protect themselves, just as they are

organisations and community initiatives that would

joined together by the water that passes them by.

like to work together - on specific schemes or on a

Downstreams relies on the provision of open data about geography as well as information about risks and

impact

to

communities

from

flooding,

biodiversity loss, pollution and about projects that might partially mitigate them.

Downstreams take a joined up view of the ecosystems around a river, taking nature concerns and flood resilience concerns together when trying to find the best solutions. It's clear to them that the best solutions do not come from professionals

can

prevent

the

problem

catchment-wide basis.

www.downstreams.org @downstreamsCIC

rather

than

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

South West Catchment Information Gateway Westcountry Rivers Trust The South West Catchment Information Gateway aims to provide up-to-date information and resources relating to all aspects of catchment management and catchment partnership working in the South West of England.

The site is designed for Catchment Partnership Hosts

to

engage

and

communicate

with

environmental professionals, community groups and interested individuals from across their catchments.

The site has information pages for each of the catchments, environmental

summaries

about

projects

underway

all

of

the

across

the

region, a Q&A for catchment partners and all of the latest news from across the South West Catchment Partnerships.

Anyone who wants to get involved in one of the South West’s nine catchment partnerships can use the site to make contact with the catchment hosts or they can simply use it to keep up-to-date with all of the latest activity in each of the catchments.

www.swcatchments.info

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Ribble Life Ribble Rivers Trust & the Ribble Catchment Partnership Ribble Life is a DEFRA funded pilot scheme aimed

The development and implementation of the

at exploring better ways to engage with people

Ribble Catchment Management Plan is central to

and organisations to help improve the water

the project. The Ribble catchment Action Plan will

environment at a local catchment level. It is part of

be launched by December 2012 and will be

a new catchment-based approach to river basin

developed to guide the management of the

management to help deliver the EU Water

catchment’s water environment in a joined up way.

Framework Directive (WFD).

The Ribble Rivers Trust is working in partnership with the Environment Agency to support the delivery of a holistic approach to catchment management, including the sustainable use of the catchment’s rivers, as well as the habitats and species they support.

The high quality of the Ribble catchment’s water resources gives it great value – as a habitat for wildlife, for drinking water, as a recreational environment, as a basis for tourism and salmon fishing, and as a central asset underpinning the local economy.

Ribble Life involves coordinating the efforts of local stakeholders (incl. local communities, farmers, public sector organisations and businesses) in the common aim of restoring habitat and water quality throughout the Ribble catchment.

Image: Ribble Rivers Trust

Ribble Life objectives  To ensure that improvements to rivers in the Ribble catchment support a healthy local economy  To

share

information

and

communicate

effectively across the Ribble catchment  To work together to maintain and improve the biodiversity of the Ribble catchment  To reduce pollution and improve the quality of water in the Ribble catchment  To enhance the amenity value of the Ribble catchment.

www.ribblelife.org

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

The Saving Eden Coalition Eden Rivers Trust & the Eden Catchment Partnership The Eden catchment and its rivers and lakes, like

and its rivers and lakes.

many others in the UK are under threat. These

Farmers

threats come from all of society and the demands

Politicians and Planners; and Investors.

we place on our natural resources. Development, agriculture,

sewage,

invasive

species

and

sometimes just neglect and ignorance have all taken their toll. We all want healthy rivers and lakes, they provide us with clean drinking water, recreational opportunities, high quality wildlife habitats and flood protection, but none of us can achieve this on our own.

We now urgently need to work together to safeguard the future of the Eden’s rivers and lakes which is why the Saving Eden Coalition has been formed.

By

bringing

people

together

in

a

partnership the Coalition aims to get better coordination,

communication,

shared

objectives,

targets and accountability in place to ensure we are all doing the best we can to drive better and faster outcomes for the Eden catchment.

Hosted by Eden Rivers Trust, the Saving Eden Coalition is an organisational partnership. It is open to representatives from the key audiences who influence and affect the River Eden Catchment

Image: Icy Eden by See Like Click (Flickr CC 2.0)

&

Land

These audiences are:

Managers;

www.savetheeden.org

Communities;

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Love Your River Coventry Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Love Your River Coventry is a pilot project run by

for wildlife. This report highlights some exciting

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and funded through

projects the Trust is exploring in more detail with

the Environment Agency MURCI (Midlands Urban

the Environment Agency to help reduce the impact

Rivers and Communities Initiative) Programme that

of dirty surface water from some of the city’s

addresses urban diffuse pollution.

roads.

The pilot is focused on raising awareness about

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk /love-your-river

misconnected appliances in people’s homes, which send polluted water straight into local rivers and streams.

The project encompasses a public awareness campaign and a free 10-point plan leaflet making it

simple

for

anyone

to

help

check

for

misconnections on their property as well as taking other easy steps to address pollution in the urban environment.

The Project Team worked with schools, colleges, volunteers and local partners to raise awareness of the day-to-day impact on our rivers and running practical sessions to improve our rivers too – taking out trolleys, bikes, bins, plasterboard and all manner of other potentially polluting items. We also produced a comprehensive report on the state of all of the brooks and rivers in Coventry to help guide future work to improve those water courses

Image: River Sowe by Amanda Slater (Flickr CC 2.0)

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Rate My View South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Rate my View has been developed by the South

AONB. We’re hoping that over time it will enable us

Devon

to build up a picture of how the AONB is perceived.”

AONB

in

partnership

with

Plymouth

University as part of the Cordiale project. It is designed to gather pictures and feedback from people

as

they

photograph

the

protected

landscape.

Dr John Martin, of the University’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, said: “The app helps to burrow into public perceptions, finding out what people really think

The app, which is free, and available on both Apple

about the area’s coast, estuaries, countryside and

and Android platforms, automatically uploads

villages. Over time, with the changing of the

pictures taken on smartphones or tablets to the

seasons, and as change takes take effect it will

Rate my View website. It uses GPS technology to

enable us to better understand how we view our

pinpoint the users location and make sure they are

landscapes and discover what we particularly

in or near the AONB area, even detecting the

value.”

direction the person is facing.

The South Devon AONB is one of 46 AONBs in the

Users then rate their view by giving it between 0

country, and stretches from Brixham to Wembury,

and 5 stars; and submit words or short phrases that

and

sum up their view. This could include landscape

Dartmouth, Salcombe and Modbury in addition to

features “network of Devon hedgebanks”, qualities

the spectacular coastline, estuaries and farmed

“tranquil”, feelings “inspiring”, events “battered by

countryside.

waves” and much more.

Roger English, Project Officer at South Devon AONB, said: “The app’s simple nature enables a participative approach to collecting, sharing and understanding a range of public perceptions of local landscapes in and around the South Devon

includes

towns

such

www.ratemyview.co.uk

as

Kingsbridge,

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Love the Lea Thames 21 The rivers in East London’s Lea Valley are amongst

misconnection is, and most are horrified if they

the most polluted in Britain. The Lea, Salmons

discover they are polluting their local stream.

Brook, the Pymmes Brook, Turkey Brook, the Rivers Ching and Moselle and the Stonebridge Brook are being damaged by sewage, household chemicals and oil on a daily basis.

‘Love the Lea’ is also encouraging London’s local authorities to do more to improve the health of rivers. At present, too few people know that what goes down the drain can end up in a river if the

Thames21’s ‘Love the Lea’ campaign is proposing

system isn’t working properly, and councils are well

three key solutions that will improve the health of

placed to help spread this message.

the Lower Lea’s rivers into the future. The first focuses on the development of a comprehensive network of natural drainage systems in parks, next to

roads,

blocks

of

flats

and

at

all

new

developments. These will cut the amount of rainwater that enters sewers and thereby reducing sewage overflows to rivers.

Countless homes are misconnected with pipes from showers, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets incorrectly plumbed into the surface water sewer, instead of the foul sewer for treatment. The campaign is crucially raising awareness of the issue amongst local people, something which is missing from many efforts to tackle misconnections.

Engagement with local communities has found that people simply don’t know what a

Natural Drainage systems can help to cut the chemicals that get washed into rivers from roads, such as oil, fuel and metals, when it rains. Roadside verges can be turned into green filters for storm water whilst car park bays can be turned into rain gardens.

The Love the Lea campaign is engaging widely across communities, embracing too local councils and other key stakeholders. A poster, online pledge and Facebook page all help to spread the message.

www.thames21.org.uk/love-the-lea

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Our River Wear Wear Rivers Trust, Durham Wildlife Trust, Groundwork NE & Durham County Council The Lower Wear pilot (through a collaboration between the EA and Durham University) undertook a study to evaluate different approaches to engage local

stakeholders

and

to

develop

an

understanding of their priorities for the catchment the values people derive from it and the barriers they perceived to enjoying the river environment and becoming involved in its management.

Following this pilot, the partnership wrote a joint plan for working together for a healthier river Wear. The plan focuses on the lower part of the river and its tributaries. It is the product of a unique

initiative

to

bring

together

people,

communities and organisations that all have a connection with the river and care about its future.

It has been made possible through the formation of a partnership of passionate and enthusiastic people who have developed this plan and a vision to work towards: "By 2020 Durham's rivers will run clear, teeming with wildlife and enjoyed by all."

Our River Wear is an educational and engaging website that urges people to value and enjoy the River Wear and everything it has to offer.

www.ourriverwear.org.uk

Image: River Wear by Mr Gareth M (Flickr CC 2.0)

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Thames River Watch Thames 21 A three year project delivered by Thames 21, this

reinforced by media reports when the Thames won

citizen science project seeks to engage community

the International Theiss River Prize in 2010. The

groups,

reality is somewhere in between. Thames River

individuals,

businesses

along

schools the

tidal

and

riverside

Thames

from

Watch seeks to tackle the challenge of helping

Teddington to the Thames Estuary.

Londoners better understand the tidal Thames.

The project aims to raise awareness of the

Thames River Watch started in July 2013 when the

environmental issues that the river faces and

initial focus was on developing the monitoring

enable people to provide pro-active support and

protocols and online data management system. In

involvement in improving the health of the tidal

the remainder of 2013 work turned to developing

Thames. This project supports the Your Tidal

the project brand and publicity materials, training

Thames project which is part of the Catchment

sessions for volunteers and working with pilot

Based

Water

groups to test and refine the delivery approach of

Framework Directive through active engagement

the project. Early in 2014 the Thames River Watch

of the local community.

project formally launched and began engaging

The

Approach

health

of

to

the

delivering

tidal

Thames

the

is

widely

misunderstood. Some people see it as a ‘dirty old river’ – dead, polluted and to be ignored as much as possible. This perception is hard to overcome when floating litter persists and raw sewage flows into the water during heavy rain events. Some believe that the estuary is dirty because it’s brown instead of blue. However other people see the tidal Thames as a system that has fully recovered over the last 40 years and is now clean, an idea

Image: Thames Mud by Leon Brocard (Flickr CC 2.0)

Londoners in monitoring and understanding the health of the tidal Thames.

www.thames21.org.uk/thames-riverwatch

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Integrated Local Delivery (ILD) Framework FWAG South West, Countryside & Community Research Institute & Natural England Within Gloucestershire, the Farming and Wildlife

the

Advisory Group (FWAG) and the Countryside and

objectives at a local level. The ILD approach has

Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the

been so successfully used in Gloucestershire for

University of Gloucestershire have developed an

over 10 years, to restore key environmental

integrated

protected sites, that the approach is now being

local

delivery

(ILD)

framework,

global

deliver

applied

those with local skills and environmental land

integrated catchment management.

management of sensitive and key environmental sites.

deliver

to

implemented in a range of situations, that enables management knowledge to contribute to the

to

jigsaw

water

multi-strategy

security

through

The Upper Thames Catchment Pilot is a pioneering initiative, supported by Defra, set up to develop ways to achieve these aims. The partnership is

The first project delivered using the ILD framework

committed to identifying related actions, many of

was in the Parish of Uley, Gloucestershire, where

which are already in progress in the catchment,

the objective was to support the village and local

and linking them together through the steering

farmers

group to deliver integrated management of land

in

the

restoration

and

long-term

protection of Uley Bury Hill Fort and surrounding grassland.

and water.

The partnership used the ILD framework to embed

The ILD framework was developed in 2004 from a

this collaborative working both in the development

landscape-scale project that outlined the urgent

of strategic priorities and on-the-ground delivery

need for a simple mechanism that valued local

through a shared problem-solving approach.

knowledge and connected this knowledge and all levels of strategy to delivery by providing local relevance through a simple transferable process.

The concept of ILD is that each community could be inspired and enabled to look after its piece of

Image: Lakeside morning at Cotswold Water Park by Mark Philpott (Flickr CC 2.0)

www.fwagsw.org.uk

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

River Wiki The RESTORE Partnership (incl. the Environment Agency & River Restoration Centre) The River Wiki has been set up by the River Restoration Centre to consolidate river restoration case studies from all over Europe. Currently there are 819 case studies from 31 countries published on the website.

You can search through the case studies using a number of different variables depending on the type of project you are looking for.

You can also search by cost, techniques used, reasons for failures as well as geographically.

This

project

aims

to

showcase

completed

restoration projects as well as to act as a tool to guide future projects. Its wiki format allows any registered user to upload their own projects and comment on other projects.

It is hoped that by allowing this transparency, fresh ideas will emerge and benefit rivers worldwide.

This

project

was

created

by

the

RESTORE

partnership for river restoration in Europe and funded by the European Commission's Life+ programme.

www.restorerivers.eu

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

CaBA Mentoring Programme The Rivers Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust, the Evidence & Measures Team The aim of the CaBA Mentoring Programme is to

work, promoting a 'one to many' approach where

build capacity and resilience within the CaBA family

possible to maximise the reach of the mentoring

making an evidence-based approach within the

resource across all CaBA catchments.

CABA movement sustainable in the long term.

Some of the key principals of mentoring:

To achieve this a small, multi-organisational, mentoring team will work with CaBA partners helping them to move forward in their catchment.

This team will work by drawing out solutions from the team itself and from partners’ own experience, including that gained in other CaBA catchments.

By

working

on

individual

catchments

the

mentoring team will gather relevant intelligence on common issues and barriers, which can then be escalated to the CaBA National Support Group.

Furthermore, as each member of the mentoring team moves from one catchment to the next they will also look for any opportunities to link neighbouring catchments with common issues or skills requirements The small initial team will need to identify and promote the network of expertise which already exists within the CaBA family if the

 The mentor must start the process by listening to the technical support needs of the partner organisation.  The mentor must identify the most cost effective way to move them forward on the partnerships agenda and submit a one page proposal. The proposal should identify the partner contact and the mentor contact.  The partner is then responsible for contacting the mentoring team to secure the work. This ensures that the partnership is in control and only commissions work that it has agreed to.  The mentor must pass on freely, relevant experience gained from other CaBA catchments.

Preferably, outputs should be passed from CaBA partner to CaBA partner rather than via the

service is to become sustainable in the long term.

mentor or shared via the CaBA website.

The CaBA website, Forum and data sharing

Email: david@theriverstrust.org

infrastructure will all be critical tools to support this

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Not Another Consultation Involve Do you feel like you are not getting the true views

to suit the local context in which it occurs. What

and opinions of the public you are engaging with?

works for one event or one community may be

Maybe you feel you see the same faces at all

inappropriate for others.

meetings and are not hearing from all the groups

www.involve.org.uk

or individuals in your community.

If so, and you are committed to tackling the issues within your area, perhaps it is time to try something different.

The charity INVOLVE, which specialises in public participation, have produced a practical guidance document designed to help you plan and deliver informal engagement events that combine a community fun day with appropriate engagement methods.

The guide is especially focussed on health related engagement

with

local

authorities,

but

the

contents are likely to be useful for anyone interested in new ways of involving the public in services or decisions. It provides practical guidance on how to develop and plan informal engagement events. It is a set of guidelines rather than a strict blueprint. In order to be successful, any public engagement activity that aims to improve any aspect of an area must be designed

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Ketso Dr. Joanne Tippett, University of Manchester Ketso means ‘action’ in Lesotho, where it was

Ketso is accessible to virtually anyone and is

invented. It has been refined over two decades of

particularly useful for people who need to work

action research with communities across the globe.

together on an issue or plan within a limited time

With Ketso everyone can participate and be more

frame. Ketso helps everyone to be a more effective

creative.

facilitator and extends the capacity and speed of

Ketso offers a structured way to run a workshop,

those who already run successful workshops.

using re-useable coloured shapes to capture

Ketso is not just a re-usable ‘workshop in a bag’. It

everyone's ideas, and is unique in that each part is

comes with a growing range of free, open-source

designed to act as a prompt for effective

support resources, including workshop plans that

engagement.

you can customise to suit your needs. With Ketso

Ketso is for anyone who needs or wants to get great results from working with a group of people.

These groups might be large (e.g. a consultation with a hundred participants) or small (e.g. a focused meeting with three people).

Ketso is great if you want to:  Work in groups (meetings, workshops, etc)  Make effective and productive use of people's time  Engage with others (e.g. stakeholders)  Support collaboration, learning or creativity  Turn talk into action

you have decades of practical research and experimentation at your fingertips.

www.ketso.com

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

‘Fish’ in the Classroom Various: incl. the Wandle Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust & the Clyde Foundation Bringing fish into the classroom is a fantastic,

primary school pupils in the catchment have now

interactive method of getting children excited

been involved. As an introduction to rivers and

about nature as well as introducing them to the

wildlife, the children investigate the water quality

issues facing the natural environment. Several river

of their local river by looking at the invertebrates

and catchment groups are having great success

living there. They then eagerly await the arrival of

with this approach and regularly set up aquariums

their salmon eggs which are soon ready to be

in schools.

transported from the hatchery. Just weeks after

The Wandle Trust Trout in the Classroom has been the Wandle Trust’s award-winning education project since it began in 2001 in partnership with Thames 21.

Every year they visit local schools and set up aquariums with Trout eggs in the classroom. The children get to see the hatching process and rear the juveniles until they are due to be released into the river. This ties in with most areas of the national curriculum and leaves the children with a great sense of achievement and a newfound enthusiasm for river ecology.

www.wandletrust.org Westcountry Rivers Trust The River Exe Salmon in the Classroom Project has just completed its fourth year and over 350

their arrival, the eggs hatch and 3-4 weeks later they emerge as swim-up fry ready to be released back into the river at Easter time.

www.wrt.org.uk Clyde River Foundation Clyde in the Classroom is an annual scheme where hatcheries are installed in classrooms for two months and brown trout eggs are hatched and raised ready for release into the River Clyde. The project filters into all areas of the curriculum and inspires artwork and poetry as well as learning about trout development and river ecology. So far the Foundation has had hatcheries in 57% of the schools within the Clyde catchment and has engaged with over 16,000 pupils.

www.clyderiverfoundation.org

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Yellow Fish Environment Agency & various partners Yellow fish is simple project where yellow fish are

Participant’s are encouraged to send in a feedback

painted next to drains to remind people that what

form in order to get their project marked on the

is put down a drain impacts aquatic life. Road and

EA’s yellow fish map, showing all the places where

surface water drains are designed to allow

this scheme is being carried out.

rainwater to drain into the nearest waterbody, but these drains can be a large source of pollution with substances like engine oil, paint, detergents and litter being put down them. Once these pollutants enter a waterbody they can be incredibly harmful to fish and other organisms that live there.

Led by the Environment Agency, once permission is obtained from the landowner (usually the local authority), local community groups receive a pack including a stencil and guidelines for raising awareness in the local community. These groups can be local conservation groups or school groups.

This is a brilliant, active way of getting young people interested in conservation. The project can be shaped to suit the group, being equally suited as the foundation of a whole Key Stage or as a stand alone activity. Raising awareness within the community via leaflets and newsletters also Makes Yellow Fish fantastic for developing learning, thinking skills and citizenship awareness.

Skelton Primary School, York Skelton Primary School’s Eco Team is one of many schools that has been involved with the Yellow Fish Scheme. In conjunction with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust the children spent an afternoon marking yellow fish next to drains. The children also went to the local river to see the possible effects of pollution. Jo Feary from Redcar and Cleveland Council also came along to explain to the children the work that had been done around the river by the council as well as local residents groups.

yellow.fish@environmentagency.gov.uk

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

The First Tweet: Guide to Social Media Unity Trust Bank & Social Misfits Media When you look at the numbers, it’s hard to deny

using it strategically for communications and

that social media has become a ubiquitous part of

fundraising, what platforms they used and how

how the world does business. Ninety one percent

often, and what they felt their challenges were. The

of online adults worldwide now use some sort of

results probably won’t surprise you. Generally, they

social media regularly.

found that these organisations are not using social

In the UK alone, there are 41 million Facebook users, and 10 million people on Twitter. The question of whether or not social media is

media as efficiently, effectively, or strategically as they would like – not due to lack of desire, but rather lack of skills, time, or understanding.

important has been answered., but has social

Having done this research, they then created their

media become a critical part of how the world

guide, “About that First Tweet,” to help these

does good?

organisations take the next step – or in some

At Unity Trust Bank and Social Misfits Media, they

cases, the first step – on their social media journey.

engage every day with charities, social enterprises,

In this guide you will find interviews with social

and other organisations who they think are

media experts giving their top tips on how to best

unmatched in their devotion to making social

engage with the platforms they provide; real-life

change.

not

examples from large and small organisations on

strategically using the free tools that are available

how they used social media to achieve an offline

online to broaden their audiences, spread their

goal; a checklist of reminders; and a list of

messages and, crucially, raise more funds to

resources for further reading.

support the work they do.

www.unity.co.uk/guide

And

yet,

many

of

them

are

They surveyed 186 small- and medium-sized UK charities and social enterprises (all with an annual turnover of less than £5 million) to find out their thoughts on social media – if they felt they were

Engage catchment stakeholders & build effective partnerships...

Rural Economy & Land Use (RELU) Programme Various (University of East Anglia, University of London, Westcountry Rivers Trust) The interdisciplinary RELU Programme, funded

concept of a ‘catchment area partnership’ (CAP)

between 2004 and 2011, had the aim of harnessing

and the then novel ‘catchment area delivery

the sciences to help and promote sustainable rural

organisations’ (CADO) approach for the delivery of

development and advance understanding of the

catchment management in England and Wales.

challenges caused by this change today and in the future. Research was undertaken to inform policy and practice with choices on how to manage the countryside and rural economies.

Piloted in the Tamar and Thurne catchments, the SOAS project established a clear catchment management ‘roadmap’ on how to: create a catchment

partnership,

integrate

scientific

The findings of several RELU projects highlighted

investigation with policy; foster decision-making

the need for more sustained and two-way

and implementation to resolve conflicts; and to

communication with stakeholders about land

share best practice.

management. The researchers have demonstrated that new ‘knowledge-bases’ can be established that combine local knowledge with external expertise.

Several of the other RELU projects that looked at catchment management

also

characterised

a

positive feedback loop in participatory catchment management

planning

whereby

small

initial

The research has also identified a number of

changes initially yield a small benefit that, in turn,

techniques that enable stakeholders, who may

goes on to encourage far bigger changes later in

start

of

the process. This feedback loop builds local

understanding, to redefine the issues collectively in

capacity, levering in new resources, including fresh

a way that can help them find innovative solutions

commitments of time, expertise and funding.

with

different

views

and

levels

with multiple benefits.

Perhaps the best example of this work is the ESRC-

www.watergov.org

funded RELU study, led by Laurie Smith from SOAS

www.soas.ac.uk/relu

at the University of London, which developed the

youtu.be/XQsGUNxvyjA

1

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

It is vital that participatory, stakeholder-led catchment planning is underpinned by robust data and evidence. Once the data and evidence has been collated, presented and evaluated, a partnership can then work to define areas of the catchment most likely to play a critical role in the provision or regulation of different environmental services.

Robust use of data and evidence created through field-based assessments or computer modelling can enable a catchment partnership to build consensus about what needs to be done and where. This ensures that the catchment management measures included in the delivery plan are targeted into areas where there is the greatest likelihood of realising multifunctional environmental benefits.

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Participatory Ecosystem Services Visualisation Westcountry Rivers Trust The Westcountry Rivers Trust, in collaboration with DEFRA and the Rivers Trust, has developed a method for undertaking stakeholder-led spatial visualisation of ecosystem services provisioning areas across a catchment landscape.

During

this

participatory

process,

primary,

secondary and tertiary stakeholders and technical specialists work with a broker/facilitator to collate and scrutinise all of the data and evidence relating to environmental infrastructure and ecosystem services provision for their area of interest.

Once the evidence has been evaluated, the partnership then works to develop a series of conceptual models or ‘rules’ that can be used to define areas of the catchment most likely to play a critical role in the provision of the different ecosystem services, singly or in combination. These priority areas are locations where a programme of measures may realise the greatest enhancement in the provision of multiple ecosystem services.

Fundamentally, this is a data visualisation and evidence exploration process that facilitates the development of a shared vision and language in a catchment group.

WRT first developed this approach during the Tamar Partnership Pilot in 2012. Since then, the approach has been adopted in four further catchments in the South West River Basin District and WRT are also working to assist two others.

Furthermore, six catchments in the Severn River Basin District and two catchments in the Anglian River Basin District (the Cam & Ely Ouse and East Suffolk) have also used this approach in their catchment partnerships to date.

To view all of the ESS Visualisation Map Books produced so far please visit the WRT Issuu page.

issuu.com/westcountryriverstrust

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

EcoServ Durham Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust & various partners Durham Wildlife Trust created a toolkit for

Biodiversity Record Centre (SxBRC), became, along

Ecosystem Service mapping that uses nationally

with Somerset and Northamptonshire, pilot areas

available datasets. This system is called EcoServ-

for the toolkit, as it was utilised for the first time

GIS. The final toolkit for this was released to other

outside Durham.

Wildlife Trusts in August 2014.

pilots could then be fed back to Durham Wildlife

The

toolkit

is

one

of

the

Wildlife

Trust’s

contributions to the national work that has been

The experience of these three

Trust so that they could use the shared experiences to refine the final version of the toolkit.

promoting the Ecosystem Approach. EcoServ-GIS

The Sussex Local Nature Partnership are keen to

has

Ecosystem

promote the understanding of Ecosystem Services

Knowledge Network event and the final toolkit has

to organisations and projects operating in Sussex.

outputs for 12 Ecosystem Services:

Carbon

It is therefore hosting an event to establish what

Regulation;

uses these maps can be put to, and thus how the

Pollination; Water Purification; Accessible Nature;

maps should be presented, as products, and to

Aesthetics;

Community

whom. There is a raft of locally generated

Knowledge;

Wildlife

been

Storage;

showcased

Local

at

Climate;

a

past

Noise Cohesion;

Education Food

information and data that can be used to enhance

Provision (pending) and as a function of all these,

the EcoServ-GIS outputs, and experts will be

multifunctionality.

consulted to seek the optimum presentation of the

Watching;

Timber;

For each of these services carefully constructed models are created, based on datasets of known

data so that the EcoServ-GIS maps can fulfil their maximum potential in the area.

quality and decision processes established in the

The outputs of this event will be shared on the

National Ecosystem Assessment. Outputs are

Sussex LNP website and if you are interested in

created

attending please visit follow the links on the Sussex

for

service

‘capacity’,

‘demand’

and

‘provision’.

LNP website.

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) (through the Sussex

wwww.sussexlnp.org.uk

Image: South Downs by SkipnCLick (Flickr CC 2.0)

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Habitat Resilience Tool Devon Wildlife Trust & The Met Office The purpose of this tool is to help the user to

The map tool is web based and anyone can access

understand how resilient habitats are anywhere in

and use it. Map outputs show user defined choices

the county. This is important because vulnerable,

that are made providing a clear decision trail.

less resilient habitats are less likely to deliver the range of services we need (flood prevention and clean water for example).

Species that rely on these vulnerable habitats are

The map will be accessible from Devon Biodiversity Records

Centre and also

the Local

Partnership webpages in the near future.

less likely to bounce back when their populations

www.dbrc.org.uk

fluctuate. The challenge for all sectors is therefore

www.naturaldevon.org.uk

clear; to restore habitat resilience, to restore the

Nature

components required to secure habitats that are increased in number, larger in size, better quality and more joined up.

The most important range of factors influencing resilience have been modelled. These include: Habitat Status, Habitat Management, Habitat Connectivity, Response to Climate Change, and Topography.

Each layer has a 50m resolution and is allocated a resilience score from 1 to 10. The user can then define which layer, or combination of layers, to scrutinize and uniquely apply weightings to each.

New map outputs are produced at each step.

Image: Devon Wildlife Trust

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Catchment Data Explorer Environment Agency The catchment data explorer is a data download and visualization tool designed to support the consultation on the update to the River Basin Management Plans. Users are freely available to navigate the site and explore catchments across the UK. Users can search for catchments of interest using a map or by postcode, grid reference and place name.

Each catchment in the UK has through summaries and are further categorised in into operational and management

catchments.

Data

can

be

downloaded from the site and there is also a list of useful web links.

The underlying data in the Catchment Data Explorer is stored as linked data and is made available under an Open Government License for reuse. The site is currently under development as a “beta�, and will be improved with user feedback over the coming weeks and months.

The site is open to all, and can be accessed here:

environment.data.gov.uk/catchment -planning

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Invasive Species Apps: PlantTracker, AquaInvaders & SealifeTracker Environment Agency & various partners The Environment Agency have developed three

records

free mobile apps, which use ‘citizen’ collected data

accurate geographic reference.

to map, track and in the future monitor treatment of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS).

are

usually unverifiable

and

lacking

The PlantTracker project has addressed these problems by combining the development of a

The apps provide reference guides to help people

smartphone application with the power of crowd-

identify species. The maps that these apps produce

sourcing data collection; that's to say the app

can contribute towards a catchment action or

enables real data to be collected by interested

delivery plan for INNS.

members of the public in the field.

The Plant Tracker project is a collaboration

Critically, each record collected is verifiable since it

between the Environment Agency, Scottish Natural

is comprised of a photograph along with other

Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection

relevant metadata. Records are also accurately geo

Agency, the Nature Locator team and the Centre

-located since the app utilises the phone’s inbuilt

for Ecology and Hydrology.

GPS capabilities. Another benefit of the app is that

The main aim is to locate incidences of high priority invasive plant species. There is currently a lack of information on exactly how serious the

includes photographic ID guides so that people can distinguish non-natives from our similar looking indigenous plants.

problem presented by invasive plant species really

Data collected by the PlantTracker app is passed

is.

With your help we hope to build the most

through to the Biological Records Centre's iRecord

complete picture yet and provide the raw data to

system and verified data is passed onto the NBN

those that need it most in (almost) real time.

Gateway

Obtaining accurate data about the distribution of

planttracker.naturelocator.org

invasive species is of paramount importance when it comes to assessing impact and formulating a response, but data provision is often patchy and

naturelocator.org

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

The Rivers Trust Mapping Portal The Rivers Trust & various partners The Catchment Mapping Portal is a resource that

While the Catchment Mapping Portal primarily

can be used by anybody who is interested or

contains national datasets, it also contains some

involved in catchment planning, to view a range of

local, specific data stored in the “Local” folder,

different datasets concerning river catchment

which has been provided by various CaBA partners.

quality or status.

The Rivers Trust also hosts a number of other

The portal contains Water Framework Directive

mapping portals. The Tyne Mapping Portal is an

status and Reasons for Failure information for river,

open access portal (no registration required) and

estuarine and coastal waterbodies across the UK,

has been developed for Tyne Rivers Trust to share

as well as supporting information such as the fish

the outputs from their catchment plan with their

classification scheme, riparian shade and potential

stakeholders and members of the public.

barriers to fish migration. These are primarily provided by the Environment Agency – some of which are served as live data feeds, directly from the EA’s DataShare (Geostore), while others are rehosted by the Rivers Trust.

There is also a pilot Barrier mapping portal, which is aimed at rivers trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is used to identify and assess river obstructions and barriers to fish migration collaboratively with the Environment Agency and

Anyone can register to access the portal, but they

other catchment management stakeholders. The

must provide details of their intended use of the

first phase of the project will allow trusts to edit,

data to help identify user requirements, tailor any

amend and audit barrier information from the EA,

future updates and meet licencing requirements.

as well as add records from their own local

After registering, you will receive an email containing your username and password – use these to access the portal via the link below.

While the Catchment Mapping Portal primarily contains national datasets, it also contains some

information

and

incorporate more

surveys. Future phases will sophisticated

analyses

species porosity assessment.

www.maps.theriverstrust.org

and

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

GeoVisionary Virtalis & the British Geological Survey in

 A plane tool which allows geoscientists to

collaboration with the British Geological Survey as

measure and visualise outcrops to assess the

specialist software for high-resolution visualisation

orientation and geological relationships of rock

of spatial data.

strata

GeoVisionary

was

developed

by

Virtalis

The initial design goal was to ensure that data sets

GeoVisionary is a valuable and unique software

for large regions, national to sub-continental,

tool

could be loaded simultaneously and at full

interpretation of large and complex, multi-source

resolution, while allowing real-time interaction with

datasets.

the data.

www.virtalis.com/geovisionary

One of the major advantages GeoVisionary offers over other visualisation software (3D & 4D GIS) is its ability to integrate very large volumes of data from

multiple

sources,

allowing

a

greater

understanding of diverse spatial datasets.

GeoVisionary Version 2 brings exciting new capabilities, including:  Visualisation of voxels for the interpretation of volumetric or block models.  The ability to render point clouds from laser scan data.  The mapping of 4D or time series, allowing data gathered from different time periods to be compared and trends analysed.

for

the

visualisation,

analysis

and

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

MAGIC Interactive Map Defra Family Organisations MAGIC (also known as Nature Map) is an online

datasets when available. MAGIC is now managed

tool which provides geographic information about

by Natural England :

the natural environment from across government.

www.magic.gov.uk

The MAGIC website was originally launched in 2002, and in 2012 the website was updated and relaunched in May 2013.

The information covers rural, urban, coastal and marine environments across Great Britain. It is presented in an interactive map which can be explored

using

the

various

mapping

tools

provided.

Natural England manages the service under the direction of a Steering Group who represent the MAGIC

organisations,

these

include:

The

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,

English

Heritage,

Natural

England,

Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, and the Marine Management Organisation.

It is presented in an interactive map which can be explored using various mapping tools that are included. Users do not require specialist software and can access maps using a standard web browser, but there are options to download some

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Bathing Water Explorer Environment Agency The Bathing Water Data Explorer is an application

read its Bathing Water Profile, which includes a

designed to enable people to explore information

summary description and photograph of the beach

about English and Welsh designated bathing

and detailed information about the surrounding

waters that has been produced by the Environment

area, rivers and streams feeding into the site and a

Agency and Natural Resources Wales.

pollution management plan.

The Bathing Water Data Explorer homepage

They also include maps of the locations of natural

provides two ways to find a bathing water. You can

drainage catchment and of locations of water

search by name of a bathing water (beach) or

quality related features including as surface water

names of counties or districts that contains bathing

outfalls, emergency or storm overflows and treated

waters or a full postcode. As you type in the search

sewage works outfall.

box names of all those districts, counties and bathing waters that contain the search term so far will appear, at any point you can click on one of the results to make a choice. Clicking on a bathing water’s name will take you to the bathing water’s profile page.

Alternatively, you can use the controls on the map or your mouse or pointing device to pan and zoom to a region of the map. The icons show all of the bathing waters in that area. Hovering the pointer over an icon will show the bathing water’s name.

Clicking on an icon will take to you the bathing water’s profile page.

Once you have located a bathing water, you can

The bathing water profile pages also contain a summary

of

annual

bathing

water

quality

compliance results (measuring the overall water quality for a given year) for the last five years and the most recent in-season sample assessment result.

www.environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/ explorer

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

EcoSpatial GIS e-Learning Resource Westcountry Rivers Trust & the Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre The use of spatial data and geographic information

developed

(GI) in evidence-based policy and decision making

EcoSpatial Training. The e-learning resources

has seen a rapid expansion in recent years.

developed include:

Ecological and conservation organisations such as rivers/fisheries trusts, wildlife trusts and many others are increasingly being required to collate, manage and interpret spatial data and evidence in

an

online

GIS

training

resource:

Video demos of key theory and approaches Video tutorials and demos of key techniques Webinar presentations, online surgeries and discussion sessions

their work.

The best way to encourage and facilitate the use of the spatial data in GIS applications is to train

A broad suite of easily accessible case studies show-casing the application of GIS in the

practitioners to develop their GIS and spatial data

catchment/ fisheries/wildlife management sector

skills and, in so doing, build capability in their

Online help and technical support post training –

organisations.

help forum, email/phone support.

To meet the growing demand for subject-specific and relevant GIS training courses Westcountry Rivers Trust have developed a series of intensive GIS short-courses specifically tailored to develop and disseminate best practice and technical GIS skills in the use of GIS, in practitioners engaged in catchment

management

planning,

landscape

ecology, fisheries science, river restoration, ecology and conservation biology.

To support or enhance the delivery of face-to-face training the Westcountry Rivers Trust have also

www.ecospatial.info

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Ecological Monitoring: Invertebrates Various The evaluation of invertebrate communities living

invertebrate assemblage that is ‘expected’ to occur

in a river or stream is one of the best methods we

in a river of that type in that geographic location.

have for assessing the impacts of environmental

This predicted score is then compared with the

stress on the health of an aquatic ecosystem.

score that was actually recorded from the river

To assess the ecological health of the invertebrate communities in a river, samples are collected using

sample taken to calculate the Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR) for the site.

a standardised method and the organisms found

The EQR score is then used as an indicator of the

are identified to the level of taxonomic family or

ecological health of the river for its WFD

species. In addition, the approximate abundance of

invertebrate classification. The current biotic index

each group found in the sample is also recorded

used for the WFD Invertebrate Classification is

and this combined data is used to calculate so-

termed the ‘average score per taxon’ (ASPT) index.

called biotic indices, which are used to draw conclusions about the condition of the river and to make comparisons between sites on the same or different rivers.

The power of invertebrate assessment as an indicator of river condition and for identifying what pressures

are

causing

aquatic

ecosystem

degradation, has, in recent years, been further

For their statutory assessments of river condition

increased by the development of several new

for the EU Water Framework Directive, the

indices.

resulting data is entered into a software package

Proportion of Sediment-sensitive Invertebrates

called the River InVertebrate Prediction and

(PSI) index and the SPEcies At Risk from Pesticides

Classification

was

(SPEARPESTICIDES) index, allow the impacts of these

developed by the Institute of Freshwater Ecology

specific pollutants on the invertebrate communities

(IFE). The RIVPACS package takes physical and

living in the river to be evaluated.

geographical information recorded about the

www.fba.org.uk

System

(RIVPACS),

which

sample site and makes a prediction of the

These

indices,

which

include

the

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Catchment Invertebrate Fingerprinting Wessex Chalk Streams & Rivers Trust The WCSRT Catchment Invertebrate Fingerprinting approach examines the responses of invertebrate communities, in the water environment, to four environmental stresses; low-flow impacts, fine sediment, organic pollution and total reactive phosphorus.

The degree of impact that these four stresses are having

upon

specific

locations

within

the

catchment can be identified through analysis of EA invertebrate data sets. The resulting mapping can be used to identify and target areas for further study or for remediation action. Further sampling can be undertaken to look into species level data to provide a finer level of detail on the impacts of

impact on each index. Each site is colour-coded for each index, where blue is clean, through to red – heavily impacted. The arrows in each coloured box

the stresses within the catchment.

indicate, over the available run of data, whether

The technique takes historic EA invertebrate

the impact is getting worse (up arrow), better

sampling data and analyses the community

(down arrow) or staying the same (level arrow).

structure for each site against four biometric indices: LIFE (low-flow impacts), PSI (fine sediment), Saprobic (organic pollution) and TRPI (total reactive phosphorus index).

Each of these environmental impacts induce characteristic reactions within the invertebrate community, such that it can be scored on any occasion for degree of

Under licence, anyone can access the historic EA sampling data. WCSRT employed Dr Nick Everall of Aquascience

Consulting

Ltd

to

assess

the

invertebrate community data and compute the relevant biometric scores.

www.wcsr t.org.uk/inver tebratefingerprinting

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Riverfly Partnership Various The Riverfly Partnership is a network of nearly 100

The Riverfly Partnership spearheads an initiative to

partner

anglers,

allow interested groups to take action that will

conservationists, entomologists, scientists, water

help conserve the river environment. This initiative

course managers and relevant authorities, working

provides a simple monitoring technique which

together to: protect the water quality of our rivers;

groups can use to detect any severe perturbations

further the understanding of riverfly populations,

in river water quality and puts them in direct

and actively conserve riverfly habitats.

communication with the local Ecological Contact of

organisations,

representing

The Riverfly Partnership interest focuses on three

the EA, SEPA, NRW or NIEA.

key groups of riverflies: the up-wing flies or

The monitoring scheme, used alongside the

mayflies (Ephemeroptera), caddisflies or sedges

routine monitoring of these organisations ensures

(Trichoptera)

in

that water quality is checked more widely and

whatever habitats they occur (rivers and still

action taken at the earliest opportunity if any

waters).

problem are detected. Successful schemes are

and

stoneflies

(Plecoptera)

Riverflies (and other freshwater invertebrates) are at the heart of the freshwater ecosystem and are a

underway within catchments in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

vital link in the aquatic food chain. Riverfly

Organisations interested in joining the initiative

populations

factors,

must have an individual prepared to act as a local

predominately water quality, habitat diversity,

coordinator and have members attend an official

water level and flow rate.

Their common

one-day Riverfly Partnership workshop, run by an

characteristics of limited mobility, relatively long

accredited Riverfly Partnership Tutor. The training

life cycle, presence throughout the year and

workshop includes presentations and practical

specific tolerances to changes in environmental

demonstrations.

conditions

www.riverflies.org

are

make

affected

them

by

many

powerful

biological

indicators to monitor water quality, and are commonly referred to as ‘the canary of our rivers.’

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Comet Assay for DNA Damage Plymouth University One target system to diagnose the effects of

years, including three bivalve species: the common

contaminant

the

cockle, Cerastoderma edule; the blue mussel,

environment is to monitor biological damage by

Mytlius edulis and larvae of the pacific oyster,

examining effects on their DNA. Contaminant-

Crassostrea gigas during two case studies in the

induced damage results in breaks in the DNA

Tamar Estuary. Work is now continuing to examine

structure. Such breaks could give rise to heritable

DNA damage in a number of other candidate

changes and thus, population level effects, notably

organisms in freshwater and coastal ecosystems.

exposure

on

organisms

in

reproductive success (i.e. fertility and fecundity).

The Comet assay is a simple method to measure DNA damage. The principle of the technique is to induce relaxation of the negatively-charged DNA supercoils where breaks are apparent. The higher the amount of DNA breaks leads to the greater distance of migration within the gel using electrophoresis.

The relative amount of DNA migrated provides a simple method to measure the DNA breaks in an individual cell. The aptly-named Comet assay is due to the appearance of ‘comet heads’ containing the high molecular weight DNA and the ‘comet tail’ containing the leading end of molecular fragments.

The Comet Assay has been used to identify DNA damage in a number of invertebrate taxa in recent

Image: Comet Assays by Awantha Dissanayake

Email: A.Jha@plymouth.ac.uk

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Aquatic Risk Management Toolbox (ARMT) University of Brighton in the AquaManche Project The Aquatic Management of Catchments for Health & Environment (AquaManche) Project aimed to deliver practical tools to improve prediction, mitigation and management of river, estuarine and coastal waters in the France (Channel) - England region using the innovative application of microbial source tracking (MST).

The Aquatic Risk Management Toolbox (ARMT) brings together monitoring, microbial source tracking, catchment modelling tools and a webbased public information system, in order to predict risk and inform future management within river catchments in the cross-border region.

This ‘toolbox’ approach, in which a number of methods are used in combination, provides important information regarding the most likely sources of faecal contamination present within water samples from different sites within a study catchment.

www.about.brighton.ac.uk/ aquamanche

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Assessing the condition of fish populations Various Electrofishing is one of the most effective methods

of different species, the sizes of the fish caught and

available to quantify, assess and monitor fish

the abundance of juvenile fish. Unlike quantitative

populations; within and between waterbodies.

electrofishing surveys, semi-quantitative surveys

Electrofishing involves creating an electric field in the water that temporarily immobilises the fish or influences the direction in which they swim, making them relatively easy to capture with a net.

Electrofishing surveys can either be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative electrofishing is used to capture a snapshot of the fish population, giving an indication of the species present (or any notable absences) and their age classes.

Quantitative sampling requires a more structured approach, with a defined area, typically 100m2, fished repeatedly having been isolated using stop nets at the top and bottom of the river section.

This method allows an accurate count of the number of fish to be made and, by recording the species, age and size of the fish caught, the results are entirely comparative between different sites

are

comparable

because

they

are

undertaken for a fixed time period of five minutes and each site is surveyed with the same level of effort. The advantage of this approach is that it is quick to undertake a survey and so multiple sites across a catchment to be surveyed each year without prohibitive cost implications.

Results recorded from electrofishing sites across a catchment can be used to assess the distribution and density of juvenile fish, which in turn enables us to estimate the number of adults that were present the previous year and the health of the fish population. The results can also be used to compare tributaries in the same catchment or sections within the same river, which is particularly important in identifying where density is below desired levels and ensures that river improvement works are targeted into the right locations and that

and over time.

any improvements are accurately recorded.

Semi-quantitative electrofishing is a method that

www.ifm.org.uk

concentrates on recording the presence or absence

www.wrt.org.uk/fisheries.html

Image: WRT

always

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Fisheries Walkover Surveys Westcountry Rivers Trust & various other Rivers Trusts While there is now a wealth of data sources available to help characterise our river catchments and prioritise where to start tackling issues, there is no substitute to getting out on the ground and undertaking

a

walkover

survey

to

properly

understand the local environment.

Ground surveys tend to capture the highest level of accuracy and resolution of environmental data, which is necessary for identifying specific problems and targeting measures. In addition, field work will provide an opportunity to begin engaging with local landowners and communities which will be essential for implementing any land use changes.

The objective of the Fisheries Walkover Survey is to gather information about the location and extent of the various physical habitat features present along and immediately surrounding a river, so that an assessment can be made about habitat quality and quantity (in-stream & bankside) for fish (especially salmonids). This should allow factors which may be limiting salmon productivity to be identified and recommendations made regarding habitat restoration techniques.

The survey methodology developed by the

Westcountry Rivers Trust is adapted from the techniques outlined in the Environment Agency document Restoration of Riverine Salmon Habitats: A Guidance Manual (Hendry & Cragg-Hine, 1997).

During the survey, the boundaries of different inchannel habitat classifications are drawn onto a map to represent the areas of individual habitat types using the symbols provided in the key. In this manner, a mosaic of different habitat types and features of interest can be compiled and assessed for the whole section of river and any interventions required can be identified.

www.wrt.org.uk/fisheries.html

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

River Habitat Survey Environment Agency & various others The River Habitat Survey (RHS) Project was

collection is based on a standard 500m length of

initiated at the beginning of the 1990s by the

river channel. Information is collected for each site,

National Rivers Authority in England and Wales.

including: grid reference, altitude, slope, geology,

The aim of the project was to produce a method

height of source and distance from source.

for recording habitat features of importance to wildlife and to provide an assessment of habitat quality along rivers in England and Wales.

During the field survey, features of the channel (both in-stream and banks) and adjacent river corridor are recorded. In all, more than 200

and

compulsory data entries are made at each site, in

implemented by a group of geomorphologists,

the form of the presence, absence and (in some

ecologists,

The

method

was

initially

developed

experienced

case) extent of specific features, collectively

environmental managers from across England and

building a comprehensive picture of habitat

Wales.

diversity and character. Both the map-derived and

statisticians

and

The overall idea was to try to capture in a quantitative or semi-quantitative way the physical diversity of rivers. The survey methodology was

field data are computerised, thus allowing easy access to a database, and rapid analysis of the information collected.

based on fluvial geomorphology and ecology. The

To establish a community of RHS researchers,

focus of the survey methodology was not provide

environmental

an inventory of features specifically linked to

website has been developed to improve awareness

known species but to record forms and habitats

and knowledge on species and habitats and their

that are the results of natural geomorphological

links to catchment processes and human activity.

and biological processes. The survey was applied

www.riverhabitatsurvey.org

to more than 24,000 sites in the UK and abroad.

The RHS field method is a systematic assessment of the physical structure of a watercourse. Data

Image: WRT

managers

and

practitioners,

a

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Pollution Tracing Walkover Surveys Various (incl. APEM, the Environment Agency & various Rivers Trusts) Several organisations have now developed walkover survey methodologies for locating sediment pollution in river catchments.

The exact methodologies involved vary, but they all involve walking along watercourses (usually in wet weather), looking for sediment or other pollution entering the watercourse and tracing it back to its source in the landscape.

Once sources of pollution have been identified, interventions can be delivered to mitigate them or disconnect

the

pollution

pathway

carrying

pollutants to the watercourse.

In addition, a number of other groups have

It is important to note that these surveys give a

developed their own versions of this approach to

very quick snap-shot of the situation in a

this kind of river corridor assessment: most notably

catchment (which by their nature are highly

Severn Rivers Trust and Ribble Rivers Trust.

transient)

and

solutions

must

be

enacted

immediately to ensure success.

www.apemltd.co.uk/field-surveys

Perhaps the most extensive surveys of this kind

www.severnriverstrust.com

have been undertaken by APEM on behalf of the Environment Agency. The APEM methodology has now been used by them and others to assess over 14,000km of river in the UK and they now offer training in the application of this method.

Image: WRT

www.ribbletrust.org.uk/ volunteering/river-walkover-surveys

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Urban Pollution Monitoring The Wandle Trust (now part of the South East Rivers Trust) The Environment Agency is helping Wandle Trust volunteers to spot pollution alongside the River Wandle in South London by creating a partnership to care for the river.

pollution incidents.

The information gathered by the Wandle Trust is used to update the EA’s incident management system and enhance understanding of the River

After receiving training, Wandle Trust staff and

Wandle, including details of river pollution trends,

volunteers are able to attend minor incidents on

and

the river, assess the severity and report them to the

improvements are needed.

EA, who will then react to the incident accordingly.

gaining

knowledge

of

where

habitat

This initiative is just one phase of the Wandle

Pollution incidents that affect water quality are a

Delivery Plan, which will integrate the delivery of

contributory factor in holding the Wandle back

habitat and fish passage projects with measures to

from achieving Good Ecological Potential under

reduce and monitor diffuse pollution, and will

the Water Framework Directive. Depending on

increase confidence that the habitat measures will

circumstances, the EA is not always able to

be successful and that deterioration will not occur.

respond to lower impact pollution incidents. The aim of the project is to enable the Wandle’s Carshalton arm to reach Good Ecological Potential by 2015, and make progress towards moving other parts of the catchment to good status.

When notified, the Wandle Trust volunteers will provide a first line of response to assess the situation and report back to the EA. It is hoped that this newly established partnership will enable local Wandle Trust volunteers to keep an eye on the river, facilitating a more efficient response to all

Image: Oil on the Wandle by Simon Bisson (Flickr CC 2.0)

The volunteer based scheme will be managed by professional Wandle Trust staff, and is being run as a pilot on the Wandle. If successful, the scheme may be rolled out across the South East and nationally.

www.wandletrust.org

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Sediment Fingerprinting Various (esp. Plymouth University & Rothamsted Research, North Wyke) There is increasing interest in tracing the key

defined sampling strategy and the geochemical

sources of sediment in river channels to support

properties of the sediment then form the basis of

the targeting of mitigation actions that aim to

fingerprinting approach.

reduce sediment delivery to surface waters.

Properties that can be used to discriminate sources

Sediment fingerprinting technology relies upon

are: (i) fallout radionuclides (137Cs, 7Be and

identifying significant differences in the chemical

which enable discrimination of surface, subsurface

properties soil from different sediment sources.

and cultivated sources, (ii) major and minor

Catchment sediment fingerprints can differ owing

element

to a range of natural and anthropogenic processes

geological substrate but also modified by soil

reflecting

geochemistry,

which

is

210

Pbxs)

related

to

and

formation processes and weathering and hence

contamination. Subsequently, the properties of

has potential to discriminate landuse, (iii) mineral

channel sediments can be matched to those of the

magnetic properties, which are sensitive to soil

potential sources to identify the main areas

formation

contributing sediment (and contaminants) to the

contaminants

river channel.

anthropogenic activities e.g. heavy metals.

Sediment fingerprinting studies are carried out

Among the leading experts in the field of Sediment

using the source-pathway-receptor framework and

Source

study sites are initially assessed to determine the

(Plymouth University) and Prof. Adrian Collins

potential source components such as agricultural

(Rothamsted

surface soils, road-derived or quarry material for

collaborated in a detailed source apportionment

example. Key pathways (e.g. drainage gullies; farm

investigation of sediment sources in the River Taw.

underlying

geology,

landuse

tracks; road surfaces) are identified and also the main receptor component of interest (e.g. river channel reach or lake waters). Samples of sediment are taken from each site using a pre-

Image: WRT

processes

and

from

Fingerprinting Research)

pollution,

industrial

are

Prof.

who

and

or

other

Will

have

(iv)

Blake recently

www.wrt.org.uk/projects/crf.html

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Passive Sampling for Pesticides South West Water, University of Portsmouth & Westcountry Rivers Trust Taking

samples

of

river

water

using

the

passive sampler (developed at the University) to

conventional method of filling bottles by hand can

investigate

be

results

Chemcatcher™ is a small plastic device fitted with a

obtained from these ‘spot’ samples can, at best,

specifically tailored receiving-phase disk that has a

only provide a snapshot of the concentration

high affinity for the target compounds of interest.

costly

and

time-consuming.

The

target compounds which may be present at the time of sampling.

water

quality

in

this

area.

In practice, the receiving phase disk is overlaid with a thin diffusion-limiting membrane. These devices

Subsequent interpretation of the analytical results

can

obtained is also difficult (was it the leading edge of

concentration of the pollutants or more typically

a pollutant plume, the peak, or the trailing edge..?)

the time-weighted average (TWA) concentration

and the time lag between these results and repeat

over the sampling period.

samples or remedial action inevitably means the environmental investigation is reactive in nature.

be

used

to

obtain

the

equilibrium

The first riverine trials using the ChemcatcherTM involved investigating pesticides along the River

Recently, a number of alternative and innovative

Exe; a river designated as a WFD Article 7 Drinking

monitoring strategies have been proposed to

Water Protected Area (DrWPA) with additional

overcome these challenges. In particular, research

Safeguard Zone (SGZ) status that requires a formal

is focusing on the use of passive samplers which

‘action plan’ to be drawn up by the Environment

can be deployed alone or, more often, in

Agency. In 2014, the first field deployments of

conjunction with spot sampling to provide addition

passive

data on water quality and pollutant loads in rivers.

Westcountry Rivers Trust in the Tamar and Fowey

Recently, a research collaboration between South West Water, the University of Portsmouth, Natural Resources Wales and the Westcountry Rivers Trust has been established to use the ChemcatcherTM

Image: WRT

samplers

has

been

undertaken

by

Catchments.

www.wrt.org.uk/passivesampling.pdf youtu.be/f7Xzr4FIJmg

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

In Situ Nutrient Monitoring Sea Bird & Wavelength Environmental A huge amount of information can be obtained

Analyser (below right) is a submersible sensor for

using un-attended in situ water quality monitoring

the measurement of nitrate concentrations in

equipment. Recently two submersible data-loggers

water. It has built in data-logging and can be fitted

for phosphate and nitrate have become available

with an automatic cleaning unit to enable long

that allow high frequency measurement of nutrient

term, unattended deployments. It can be easily

concentrations in watercourses.

interfaced to telemetry units to enable remote

The Cycle PO4 Phosphate Sensor (below left and

collection of data.

centre) is a submersible, phosphate analyser with

The SUNA V2 uses the chemical-free ultra violet

built-in data logger that provides unparalleled

absorption principle to measure nitrate. It is

precision and accuracy. Ideal for unattended

available with 10cm and 5cm path-lengths and

monitoring the Cycle PO4 includes keyed, pre-

uses adaptive sampling techniques (adjusts the

mixed on-board reagent cartridges and calibration

light source in response to turbidity) so that it can

standards that click into place. Each set of reagents

be

is sufficient for just over 1000 measurements.

environments.

It uses the established ‘molybdenum blue’ method.

The SUNA is best operated by someone with at

A small volume of sample is filtered and drawn in

least some previous experience with water quality

by precision micro-pumps, reagents are injected

sensors. Training and instruction and ongoing

and mixed - if there is phosphate in the sample a

support is provided.

blue colour will develop. The higher the phosphate concentration the deeper the colour. The controller software is easy to use but the unit should be set up by an expert user. Ongoing maintenance can be done by anyone.

The SUNA V2 Submersible Ultra-Violet Nitrate

used

in

more

optically

challenging

wavelength-environmental.co.uk

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

In Situ Fluorimetry to Identify Organic Pollution Sources Turner Designs, Eureka & Westcountry Rivers Trust There is increasing interest in the use of fluorimetry

component of laundry detergents and, thus,

in water quality research owing to its ability to

provide a useful indicator of sewage or grey water

provide an efficient means of tracing organic

inputs

inputs to water courses. Upon excitation with an

fluorescence is likely to be associated with both

energy source, a typical river water sample will

agricultural and sewage sources, OBA signatures

display a range of fluorescent emissions, which

are confined to sewage. The ability to detect both

include protein-like (e.g. tryptophan) and fulvic/

tryptophan and OBAs during water quality analysis,

humic-like fluorescence. These emissions occur at

therefore, provides a unique opportunity to

very distinct wavelengths and are therefore readily

determine the source of organic inputs.

identifiable in emission spectra.

to

watercourses.

Whereas

tryptophan

Recent advances in the design of fluorimeters have

The presence of tryptophan in water is related to

enabled the development of submersible units,

microbial activity and the intensity of tryptophan

which are compact and easily deployed during

fluorescence has been shown to correlate strongly

field investigations.

with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and, as such, the use of fluorimetry may provide a useful alternative to the time consuming traditional approach to characterising BOD.

Turner Designs have produced the Cyclops 7 fluorimeter, which can be programmed to focus upon the excitation-emission wavelength pairs of interest.

For

deployment,

the

sensors

are

Numerous studies have successfully used protein-

incorporated into the Eureka Manta 2 Sonde

like fluorescence to identify farm and household-

platform, which has the capacity to house multiple

based sources underlining the potential for

sensors.

fluorescence as a tool for source apportionment in river systems.

Fluorimetry can also be used to detect Optical Brightening Agents (OBA). OBAs are a common

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

High Resolution Conductivity Monitoring Various (esp. Wavelength Environmental & Westcountry Rivers Trust) Conductivity is a general measure of water quality.

INW

Streams have a relatively constant range of

pressure Smart Sensors alongside automatic water

conductivity and significant changes indicate that a

samplers along a 5km section of the Fingle Brook

discharge or other source of pollution has entered

(a tributary of the River Teign) in order to assess

a stream. A failing sewage works would raise the

the impact of contaminated road runoff from the

conductivity because of phosphate and nitrate;

A30 and to assess pollution loads derived from

while an oil spill would lower the conductivity.

other sources in the catchment (2x sewage

Smart sensors for conductivity are relatively low

AquiStar

conductivity,

temperature

and

treatment works and historical mine works).

cost so can be deployed in greater numbers giving

The data-loggers in the Fingle Brook recorded

higher

catchment.

clear conductivity fluctuations that could be

Deployed at key points (e.g. upstream and

characterised as both flow related pollution events

downstream of known sources) sensors can

derived from the road surface and historic mining

indicate the activity of that source. Water quality

workings, and diurnal signatures derived from

sampling or the use of other sensors can then be

sewage effluent discharges at various locations

targeted at problem sources once key areas have

along the watercourse.

spatial

resolution

over

a

been identified.

This data allowed more detailed monitoring work

Smart sensors for conductivity, temperature and

to be targeted at the most likely sources and for

depth (another useful parameter) are simple to

tailored mitigation measures to be designed and

calibrate

implemented.

and

deploy,

they

require

little

maintenance so can be used by those with little or no experience with in situ water quality monitoring sensors.

In

2013/14,

Westcountry

Rivers

Trust

and

researchers from Plymouth University deployed six

wavelength-environmental.co.uk/ case-studies.html

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Source Apportionment GIS (SAGIS) Tool UKWIR & Environment Agency The Source Apportionment-GIS (SAGIS) modelling

Diffuse

framework

sources

of

nutrient

pollution

are

through

UWKIR

incorporated into SAGIS from the Phosphorus and

Chemical

Source

Sediment Yield Characterisation In Catchments

Apportionment under the WFD (UKWIR, 2012) with

(PSYCHIC) model (developed by a consortium of

support from the Environment Agency. The

academic and government organisations led by

primary objective of this research was to develop a

ADAS Water Quality).

research

was

developed

project

WW02:

common modelling framework as the basis for deriving robust estimates of pollution source contributions that would be used to support both water company business plans and the EA River Basin Planning process.

The SAGIS report and tool are available to purchase from UKWIR (ÂŁ600 + fees for additional data licencing), but is also made available to water companies and the Environment Agency have made some outputs available through the CaBA

The SAGIS Tool quantifies the loads of pollutants

Data Package.

to surface waters in the UK from 12 point and

www.ukwir.org/ukwirlibrary/94997

diffuse sources including wastewater treatment works discharges, intermittent discharges from sewerage and runoff, agriculture, soil erosion, mine water drainage, septic tanks and industrial inputs (UKWIR project WW02).

Loads are converted to concentrations in river waters using the SIMulation of CATchments (SIMCAT)

water

quality

model,

which

is

incorporated within SAGIS, so that the contribution to

in-stream

concentrations

sources can be quantified.

from

individual

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Fieldmouse Environment Agency The Fieldmouse modelling tool helps you target

can be obtained freely, under an EA open license

landscape sources of diffuse pollution, it routes

with CaBA hosts. However access to ArcGIS

and decays diffuse loads from Farmscoper and

Desktop software and the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst

similar through the catchment and provides an

extension are required to use the model.

easy visual assessment of which sources contribute most to the observed concentration.

It has been designed to provide within catchment targeting for the CSF project.

Fieldmouse is a steady-state, spatially distributed catchment model. It uses outputs from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to estimate losses and decay during transport through the landscape.

Development

work

is

underway

to

allow

Fieldmouse to run within the GLUE framework allowing probabilistic outputs.

The conceptual simplicity and visual outputs of Fieldmouse give the model the ability to be used in a

participatory

modelling

environment.

The

benefits of participatory modelling in terms of improved model acceptance by stakeholders and policy makers have been widely recognised.

The Fieldmouse model and the input data required

Email: john.douglass@environmentagency.gov.uk

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Scottish Borders Land Use Strategy Pilot Scottish Borders Council (Tweed Forum & Dundee University) The National Land Use Strategy (LUS) seeks a more integrated approach to land management decision making, in recognition of the increasing number of pressures

and

demands

placed

upon

the

countryside.

being mapped.

An explanatory Land Use Strategy pilot Framework is being drafted to sit alongside the mapping tool.

It is intended for use by anyone involved in land management decision making and their advisors.

The Scottish Borders LUS pilot aims to develop a

The developing Framework could be used to help

map based tool and Framework. The tool will be

target

hosted on the Scottish Borders Council website.

Programme priorities.

The background framework will be no-statutory and non-regulatory.

The

LUS

involves

future

Scottish

Rural

Development

The LUS pilot is due to report to Scottish Government in March 2015. The findings will be

widespread

stakeholder

used by the Scottish Government to inform the

engagement. The LUS approach records the

National Land Use Strategy for the period 2016-

Scottish Borders natural assets/capital resource in

2021.

map format and identifies where opportunities might exist for the enhancement and expansion of particular ecosystem service functions.

Stakeholders have identified 7 land use priorities for opportunity mapping: i.e. food production, native woodland expansion, timber production, flood water management, areas for biodiversity enhancement, soil carbon storage and diffuse pollution control.

Areas where multiple ecosystem benefits can be achieved (and where constraints may arise) are also

Image: Tweed Forum

www.tweedforum.org/lus

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

SCIMAP Sim Reaney, University of Durham (with various partners) SCIMAP is a risk-mapping framework designed to identify where in the landscape diffuse pollution is most likely to be originating. SCIMAP does not try to make quantitative predictions in real world units (e.g. mg l-1) but rather works in relative terms across the landscape and identifies the most probable sources of the observed problem.

SCIMAP is based on the identification of locations of critical source areas within the landscape. These areas are where there is a source of a problem (fine sediment for example) and a connection from the source location to the river or lake. The locations of the source areas and connection are calculated from a detailed digital elevation model, land cover and rainfall information.

For the desktop version of the software, some GIS knowledge is required to handle the spatial data.

The web based version will require less GIS knowledge and integrates with Google Earth for visualization of the results.

The software is free to use for non-commercial use (i.e. when you are not charging someone else to use

the

software).

Commercial

licenses

available from Durham University. The required

are

data needs to be purchased separately.

All of the information required to use SCIMAP, including a series of tutorial videos, conference presentations and all of the original scientific research papers can be found on the SCIMAP website.

www.scimap.org.uk

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Catchment Water Quality Risk Assessments Westcountry Rivers Trust & The Rivers Trust Between 2011 and 2013, South West Water

More recently in 2014, the WRT Data & Evidence

engaged

to

Team have delivered two pilot Natura 2000

undertake all 17 of their National Environment

Catchment Risk Assessment Reports for Natural

Programme (NEP) Catchment Investigations. The

England. These reports, prepared for the River Axe

project objective was to provide SWW with

and Camel catchments, have further developed the

detailed pollution risk assessment and source

weight of evidence approach to determine the

apportionment evidence to inform their proposed

pressures

future catchment management projects that are

designated site ecological condition, to determine

designed

the sources of these pressures in the catchment

the

to

Westcountry

achieve

raw

Rivers

water

Trust

quality

improvements.

In order to deliver the Catchment Investigations,

causing/threatening

degradation

of

and to develop a targeted and costed programme of interventions to mitigate their impact.

WRT developed a scalable methodology that can

The reports produced are intended to be working

be adapted to meet the specific requirements of

documents that become a shared resource used by

any study catchment.

local groups to deliver tangible measures on the

The investigations also provide targeted and fully

ground.

costed intervention strategies for each of the study

In 2014/15, WRT and The Rivers Trust are now

catchments, which are designed to achieve the

continuing their work with Natural England to

most significant improvements in water quality

create Water Quality Risk Assessments for 8

using the most cost-effective and resource efficient

additional Natura 2000 catchments across England

approach.

and are exploring the potential for applying the

The outputs from these investigations have fed directly into the SWW PR14 Business Plan and the EA’s Drinking Water Protected Areas Safeguard Zone Action Plans.

approach in other catchments with different downstream drivers of water quality improvement.

youtu.be/R1RZ76otayc

Use data & evidence to inform stakeholder-led catchment planning...

Evidence & Measures Defra, Environment Agency & other partners (e.g. Eden Rivers Trust) The Evidence and Measures ‘approach’ is not a model or fixed method, but more a mind-set. It uses information that is already available and turns the relevant bits into evidence related to suspected causes of problems.

It then helps stakeholders

reach consensus on the main causes and agree what to do about them (measures).

Evidence and Measures take the stakeholders' list of suspected causes to the catchment's problems, gather relevant information (Environment Agency datasets, old reports, anecdotal information, GIS layers etc.), do some processing in Excel and GIS

by stakeholders is about ten times the cost of the

and draw out evidence for or against suspected

initial Evidence and Measures work.

causes. They then summarise this evidence for

Perhaps the most well known application of the

stakeholders in Evidence Tables so they can efficiently evaluate it in a workshop and then move

approach was the 2010 the River Petteril Evidence and Measures Project (funded by DEFRA and

to setting remedial measures.

Environment Agency) The aim of the project was to

Using the outputs for guidance, Evidence and

bring together people with different sources of

Measures think all CaBA groups could use part (or all) of this evidence-based approach: for thorny issues, problem areas of a catchment or where the stakeholders disagree about what to do.

The experience of the project team is that the subsequent release of funds for measures agreed

knowledge and information about the river to work out what had caused its water quality and wildlife to decline and what could be done about it.

Email: alison@edenrt.org vimeo.com/62155911

3

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

In a stakeholder-led catchment planning processes we can work together to develop a common understanding of the current and future issues that relate to the environmental health of the catchment. We can also work to identify what needs to be done and where it should be delivered to a create healthy, functional ecosystem that deliver the optimal blend of benefits that they want and need now and in the future.

Having developed a targeted and tailored plan of what needs to done and where in a catchment, we then need to go and deliver catchment management interventions that will achieve the best possible environmental and economic benefits for all of the interested parties.

Image: WRT

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Catchment Sensitive Farming Defra, Natural England & Environment Agency Funded by DEFRA and the Rural Development

area and farming sector. This advice includes

Programme for England, Catchment Sensitive

workshops, farm events and individual farm

Farming (CSF) is a joint initiative between the

appraisals. CSF also offer capital grants, at up to

Environment Agency and Natural England that has

60% of the total funding, to deliver improvements

been

in farm infrastructure.

established

in

a

number

of

priority

catchments across England.

As part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming

Overall, CSF has two principle aims: (1) to save

programme, Natural England have also undertaken

farms money by introducing careful nutrient and

an evaluation study to demonstrate the benefits

pesticide planning, reduce soil loss and help

that the delivery of advice and measures have

farmers meet their statutory obligations such as

realised. In addition to a summary report, Natural

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, and (2) to deliver

England have also produced a number of case

environmental benefits such as reducing water

studies and technical reports covering specific

pollution, cleaner drinking water, safer bathing

areas; such as, advice and education delivery, water

water, healthier fisheries, thriving wildlife and lower

quality monitoring and environmental modelling.

flood risk for the whole community.

To achieve these goals CSF delivers practical solutions and targeted support which should enable farmers and land managers to take voluntary action to reduce diffuse water pollution from agriculture to protect water bodies and the environment.

Catchment Sensitive Farming Officers work with independent

specialists

from

the

farming

community to deliver free advice tailored to the

Image: WRT

www.gov.uk/catchment-sensitivefarming-reduce-agricultural-waterpollution

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Upstream Thinking South West Water & various delivery partners South West Water (SWW) in collaboration with a group of regional conservation charities, including the Westcountry Rivers Trust, the county Wildlife Trusts for Devon and Cornwall and The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, have established one of the largest and most innovative conservation projects in the UK: the ‘Upstream Thinking Initiative’.

This project will deliver over £9 million worth of strategic land restoration in the Westcountry between 2010 and 2015, and an even greater amount over the 2015-2020 funding programme.

filtration in the long term.

The Upstream Thinking Initiative has seen a wide array of innovative catchment management and other

environmental

including:

mires

interventions

restoration,

culm

delivered, grassland

restoration by Devon Wildlife Trust, pesticide advice and guidance by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and a reverse auction by Westcountry Rivers Trust in partnership with the University of East Anglia.

In the first scheme of this kind in the UK, an auction was successfully used to distribute funds from a water company to farmers, investing in

The ‘provider is paid’ funding mechanism used in

capital items to improve water quality. The scheme

Upstream Thinking is, perhaps, the most innovative

offered SWW the opportunity to work directly with

aspect of the project. SWW have recognized that it

researchers from the University of East Anglia to

is cheaper to help farmers deliver cleaner raw

devise an innovative mechanism for paying for the

water (water in rivers and streams) than it is to pay

delivery of ecosystem services via their Upstream

for the expensive filtration equipment required to

Thinking scheme.

treat polluted water after it is abstracted from the

www.upstreamthinking.org

river for drinking.

SWW believe that water consumers will be better served and in a more cost-effective manner if they spend money raised from water bills on catchment restoration in the short term rather than on water

Image: WRT

www.wrt.org.uk/catchments.html

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Sustainable Catchment Management Programme (SCaMP) United Utilities & various delivery partners The

Management

The aims of the SCaMP initiative are to help; (1)

Programme (SCaMP), has been developed by

Sustainable

Catchment

protect and improve water quality, (2) reduce the

United Utilities in association with the Royal

rate of increase in raw water colour which will

Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The

reduce future revenue costs, (3) reduce or delay

programme aims to apply an integrated approach

the

to catchment management across all of the 56,385

additional water treatment, (4) deliver government

hectares of land United Utilities own in the North

targets for SSSIs, (5) ensure a sustainable future for

West, which they hold to protect the quality of

the company's agricultural tenants, (6) enhance

water entering the reservoirs.

and protect the natural environment, and (7) help

Through the delivery of SCaMP United Utilities is recognised within the UK water industry as being at

the

forefront

of

water

need

for

future

capital

investment

for

these moorland habitats to become more resilient to long term climate change.

company-funded

In addition to their work on SCaMP, United Utilities

catchment management scheme that are aiming to

have also commissioned an number of catchment

secure multiple benefits at a landscape scale.

investigations in recent years and they continue to

Over the last 30 years there has been a substantial increase in the levels of colour in the water sources prior to treatment from many upland catchments.

The removal of colour requires additional process plant, chemicals, power and waste handling to meet

increasingly

demanding

drinking

water

quality standards. To address this, expensive capital solutions are often required at a water works which result in significant increases in annual operational costs.

Image: United Utilities

develop plans for a programme of catchment management in their currently business plan.

corporate.unitedutilities.com/scamp -index.aspx

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Wessex Water Catchment Management Wessex Water Wessex

Water's

award

winning

catchment

management initiative began in 2005, with the objective of stabilising and then reducing the levels of contaminant at water sources so no additional treatment is required. They work with local farmers and landowners in the catchment areas of the boreholes and reservoirs to safeguard the quality of ground and surface waters.

Working

together

landowners

means

with

local

farmers

and

they

can

influence

and

implement changes in agricultural land use and practice to reduce the levels of nitrate and pesticide that enter the ground and surface water environments. Methods adopted include data sharing, advice, practical help and, in some circumstances, financial incentives. They also liaise closely with various organisations including the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) on catchment management initiatives.

Since the Wessex Water catchment management programme began in 2005 there have been no nitrate exceedances in treated water at any of their ‘at risk’ catchments. In addition, they no longer require additional treatment for pesticides and

Image: River Piddle Dorset by Jim Linwood (Flickr CC2.0)

metaldehyde removal at one groundwater site and two surface reservoirs.

These real, measurable outcomes not only provide cost savings for Wessex Water and its customers, but also for catchment farmers in terms of optimised and reduced use of nutrients and pesticides.

Wessex Water have published a report which explains their programme, includes case studies and sets out proposals for the future.

tinyurl.com/ntjzabo

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Environmental Stewardship Defra, Natural England & various delivery partners Environmental Stewardship is a land management

pollution has affected local rivers, farmers will be

scheme that provides funding to farmers and other

able to apply for funding to reduce soil erosion

land managers in England to deliver effective

and run-off from their fields.

environmental management on your land. There are currently 3 levels to the scheme: (UELS):

simple

and

effective

land

management agreements with priority options (now closed for new applications) Organic

Entry

Level

Stewardship

existing

Environmental

Stewardship

and

England Woodland Grant Scheme will be brought

Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) – includes Uplands ELS

The

together into a universal scheme that will be open to applications from both farmers and foresters.

During

EU

negotiations

on

the

Common

Agricultural Policy, the UK pressed for each country (OELS)

–

includes Uplands OELS: organic and organic/ conventional mixed farming agreements

to have the option to channel a greater proportion of CAP funding into delivering environmental benefits. As a result, £3.1billion of funding will be

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS): more complex

available for environmental schemes in England

types of management and agreements tailored

which is a higher proportion of the CAP budget

to local circumstances

than ever before.

From

2016,

the

new

environmental

land

management scheme will be targeted so that farmers can help deliver environmental priorities specifically related to their local area, focussing

Defra has announced plans for England’s EU’s Young Farmers Scheme to give extra support to farmers under forty years of age and their intention to apply this support to the maximum

particularly on increasing biodiversity, helping

land area of farms.

wildlife and improving water quality.

tinyurl.com/kaebdyy

For example, if one area is home to rare farmland birds, farmers will be reimbursed for enhancing this habitat. If, in another area, agricultural

Image: WRT

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) LEAF LEAF is the leading organisation promoting

offers farmers a complete health check for water

sustainable food and farming. They help farmers

use on their farms, and the Simply Sustainable

produce

Water Guidance booklet and film.

good

food,

with

care

and

to

high environmental standards, identified in-store by the LEAF Marque logo.

The Simply Sustainable Water booklet has been produced to help farmers develop an effective on-

LEAF attempts to build public understanding of

farm management strategy for efficient water use

food

ways,

and to improve their farm’s contribution to

including; Open Farm Sunday, Let Nature Feed

protecting water in the environment. It allows

Your Senses and year round farm visits to our

farmers to get the best from this valuable resource,

national network of Demonstration Farms.

improve awareness of the importance of water and

and

farming

in

a

number

of

LEAF is also an industry partner in the Campaign

track changes in water use and quality over time.

for the Farmed Environment (CFE), which is an

Based on Six Simple Steps to help improve the

opportunity for their members to demonstrate

performance, health and long term sustainability of

their commitment to protecting and enhancing the

their land, farmers are encouraged to set a

farmed environment.

baseline by assessing their water use and their

As part of the Campaign, farmers are asked to ensure that a third of their ELS points come from a list of key target options. These include options which result in cleaner water and healthier soil, protect farmland birds and encourage wildlife and biodiversity.

LEAF also provide a wide array of educational and best practice guidance resources on their website, including their Water Management Tool, which

Image: WRT

water sources. The six key measures are: (1) water saving measures, (2) protecting water sources, (3) soil management, (4) managing drainage, (5) tracking water use, and (6) water availability and sunshine hours.

www.leafuk.org

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Voluntary Initiative Various sponsors & partners The Voluntary Initiative (VI) began in April 2001. It

 Establish a low-cost sprayer testing scheme

is a UK-wide package of measures, agreed with

(NSTS) with a nationwide network of 294 testing

Government,

centres and 465 certificated testers.

designed

to

reduce

the

environmental impact of the use of pesticides in agriculture, horticulture and amenity situations.

Initially a list of 27 proposals, the programme finally included over 40 different projects covering research,

training,

communication

and

stewardship.

The combined cost of the programme between 2001 and 2006 to the farming industry, the crop protection industry, the water industry and others was estimated to be £45-47m, but during that time they worked to:  Improve awareness among farmers of the potential

environmental

risks

arising

from

pesticide use; improve the competence of advisors, improve field practices of spray operators and optimise their machines.  Engage the farming unions and establishment of Crop Protection Management Plans (CPMPs) as a self-audited means of assessing and planning the environmental aspects of crop protection activities across the whole farm.

 Establish

the

Operators

National

(NRoSO),

Register

through

of

Spray

which

spray

operators can demonstrate a commitment to best

practice

in

pesticide

handling

and

application.  Create a series of Environmental Information Sheets as an aid to risk management for all products

sold

by

members

of

the

Protection Association.

www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk

Crop

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Nature Improvement Areas Various Nature Improvement Areas (NIA) have been

Benefits to urban areas and communities, with,

established to create joined up and resilient

where

ecological networks at a landscape scale.

extending into urban areas

They are run by partnerships of local authorities,

appropriate,

‘Win-win’

opportunities

ecological that

offer

networks multiple

local communities and landowners, the private

benefits, such as for: the water environment and

sector and conservation organisations with funding

Water Framework Directive objectives; flood and

provided by the Department for the Environment,

coastal erosion risk management, and the low-

Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Natural England

carbon economy

The 12 winning NIA projects were chosen after a

Opportunities to inspire people through an

competitive process announced in the Natural

enhanced experience of the natural environment

Environment White Paper. These are areas that have:

The Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is one example of a highly successful

improve

partnership of 15 organisations working on the

ecological networks by enlarging, enhancing and

river Torridge catchment, led by Devon Wildlife

connecting existing wildlife sites and creating

Trust. The NIA is already delivering impressive

new sites.

results, demonstrating that large and ambitious

Opportunities

to

establish

and

A shared vision for the natural environment among a wide partnership of local people, including statutory and voluntary sectors Surrounding land that can be better integrated with valued landscapes by restoring wildlife habitats and support natural processes adapt to

landscape scale approaches really work and deliver added

value

and

benefits

to

community living in the Torridge catchment.

www.northerndevonnia.org youtu.be/q2wMk1s4dyc

climate change impacts

Image: WRT

multiple

Image: Gilles San Martin (Flickr CC2.0)

the

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Working Wetlands Devon Wildlife Trust Devon Wildlife Trust's Working Wetlands Project is

as well diluting diffuse pollutants and other

now in its seventh year. New funding from a variety

discharges into smaller headwater streams.

of sources has enabled work to expand into new areas and further their Culm grassland restoration work in the Culm National Character Area.

Wet tussocky Culm grasslands have been shown to store 5 times more water than intensively managed grasslands. Their soils are less compacted, much

Culm grasslands are the wet tussocky grassland

deeper and richer in organic matter allowing them

found on the poorly drained, clay soils of the Culm.

to store and gradually release rainwater like a

Elsewhere in the country, similar habitats are

leaking bucket.

referred to as Rhos Pasture, and there are other strongholds in SW Wales and the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland where the climatic and soil conditions are similar.

Even when saturated, the rough tussocky structure allows water to be stored above ground in between and within the tussocks. These landscapes also have fewer drainage routes for excess run-off

They are an internationally important habitat, and

to reach the river network, thus storing more

home to some of the nation’s most threatened

floodwater in the landscape. These landscapes also

wildlife, such as the marsh fritillary butterfly and

have much lower levels of nutrient and other

the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth.

inputs from farming practices.

Restoring extensive wet tussock grasslands in river

This technique is relevant to those managing land

headwaters in the Culm National Character Area

in the headwaters of the Tamar, Torridge, Taw and

(NCA), is shown to increase the water storage

Exe catchments and is specific to the geology and

capacity in the upper catchment, reducing peak

soils of the Culm NCA, but similar approaches to

flows during high rainfall, and ensuring more

wetland restoration would be effective in other

constant base flows during droughts.

areas.

Healthy base flows are key to maintaining

www.devonwildlifetrust.org/working -wetlands

invertebrate and fish populations during droughts,

Image: Devon Wildlife Trust

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Futurescapes RSPB Futurescapes is a project run by the RSPB; it has a large

partnership

organisations

of

fellow

environment

local

communities,

including

businesses and government bodies.

Due to decades of habitat loss, the most threatened

UK

species

are

hemmed

into

fragmented habitats, mostly in protected areas.

However, it is evident from current conservation research that this method of conservation is not enough.

The Futurescapes project aims to reconnect specific

areas

of

land

that

were

formally

fragmented to provide a rich habitat for wildlife and diverse, green spaces for people to enjoy.

wildlife to adapt to climate change pressures, and by managing land in ways that help species move in response to climate change  Putting nature conservation at the heart of human responses to new pressures on the countryside, such as bioenergy production and new infrastructure development.

The RSPB currently has nearly 40 Futurescapes initiatives around the UK, and plan to expand the programme to more than 80 places. Two projects are in the Cairngorms National Park. The Badenoch and Strathspey Farmed Floodplain Futurescape encompass grasslands, wetlands, arable mosaics of the floodplain and tributaries of the River Spey.

The project aims to tackle the challenges to wildlife

Work has focused on facilitating successful Scottish

and society in the following ways:

Rural

 Build a good partnership with stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future, and to work together to deliver it.  Create more space for nature, by increasing the size of areas that are managed primarily for nature conservation.  Making the countryside a better place for

Image: Grey wagtail by Luc Viatour (Flickr CC2.0)

Development

Programme

applications,

providing training and enabling free use of rush management machinery.

You can find our priority areas on the map on the Futurescapes website.

www.rspb.org.uk/ whatwedo/futurescapes

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Keeping Rivers Cool Environment Agency & various partners Keeping Rivers Cool is a four year (2012-2016)

To support the identification of key areas to target

Environment

change

and increase riparian shade, LiDAR (Light Detection

adaptation project focused on using trees to keep

And Ranging) data for England and Wales is used

rivers cool. This approach aims to address the

to produce accurate maps of riparian tree

pressures

freshwater

distribution, indicating where the gaps are. The

ecosystems. The targeted catchments have been

measure of incoming solar radiation indicates the

the Wye, Hampshire Avon, Tyne, Ribble, Frome and

likely amount of shade created by the landscape as

the Tywi.

well as shading caused by existing vegetation.

Evidence indicates that some salmon and trout

It is recognised that riparian shading is not a stand

populations in England and Wales are under stress

-alone measure to managing warming in rivers, but

from climate change, with some rivers reaching

it is a low-risk reversible action and a good start to

above the lethal limit for salmonids in recent hot,

keeping rivers cool.

of

Agency

climate

led

change

climate

on

dry summers. It has been shown that riparian trees can help reduce local stream temperatures on hot summer days. Summer mean and maximum water temperatures are on average 2-3ÂşC lower in shaded versus open rivers.

The Environment Agency has been working with charitable trusts such as the Woodland Trust and the Rivers Trusts to plant trees and install riparian fencing in appropriate sites. The approach aims to create a mosaic of tree cover along riparian banks, rather than a blanket cover which could have a negative impact on other aspects of river ecology.

Image: Keeping Rivers Cool—Ribble Rivers Trust

www.asfb.org.uk/keeping-rivers-cool -new-guidance-for-river-managers

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Water Stewardship WWF & business partners From the United Nations to rural communities to

use. WWF is the partner of choice for The Coca-

corporate boardrooms, water issues are on the

Cola Company, SABMiller, H&M and Marks &

agenda as never before. WWF helps governments

Spencer, among others, to identify opportunities

and businesses work together to better manage

for enhanced water stewardship. They facilitate

this essential resource.

private sector engagement with public policy to

But water stewardship is more than corporate strategy. It touches people's lives and changes the Water Stewardship goes beyond being an efficient user.

responsible,

It

means

contributing

sustainable

to

the

management

of

freshwater resources. WWF's work on water stewardship

helps

basins.

WWF are also promoting public sector water

way we interact with nature. water

conserve water resources in our priority river

governments,

companies,

investors and others understand their water footprints and become better water stewards.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Beyond water footprints and reducing the impact of individual water users, WWF urges companies to look outside their own operations. We are helping redefine the role of the private sector in advocating, supporting and promoting better basin governance, for the benefit of people and nature.

In the UK, WWF are engaging with individual businesses to reduce the impacts of their water

stewardship at the river basin level. This includes measuring water use and impacts at the river basin level, demonstrating solutions for reducing these impacts, and promoting national and international policies that encourage good water stewardship and ensure environmental flows.

tinyurl.com/khcvd8r

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Farm Crap App SWARM Knowledge Hub & Rothamsted Research North Wyke A new manure management application, 'The Farm Crap App' is designed to help farmers and growers value the nutrients found in organic manures.

in order to meet the crop requirements.

The image library can be used as a visual reference guide to estimate the spreading rate of manure

The app, developed by the SWARM Knowledge

applied to the field and calculate the amount of

Hub in collaboration with Rothamsted Research

crop available nutrients that have been applied.

North Wyke allows the farming community to appreciate the nutritive and economic value of livestock manures.

Farmers are able to visually assess manures and slurry application rates and calculate what is being provided in terms of available nutrients as well as giving an estimate of potential savings in artificial fertilisers.

The data is based on Defra's RB209 Fertiliser Manual values for crop available nutrients along with the industry produced publication Think Manures and allows you to select different seasons, types of manures and crops growing to see what the manure will provide in terms of fertiliser.

Within the app, the calculator determines the amount of crop available nutrients that are found within manures spread at different rates. This helps with decisions on how much to spread

The app will also keep records of field spreading events which can be emailed to the office computer for inclusion in farm records.

The app is available on Apple and Android devices, through the Google Play or iTunes stores. Click on the relevant picture below to go to the home page for the app.

www.swarmhub.co.uk/fca fo.am/farm-crap-app

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Tweed Natural Flood Management (NFM) Programme Tweed Forum A restoration programme has been developed

Scottish

which will both restore natural habitats and help

contributions and Wind Farm Biodiversity Offset

reduce the risk of flooding to the main Border

funding schemes.

towns.

Government,

voluntary

carbon

The scheme is targeted to catchments where there

NFM measures focus on key areas of sub-

a flood risk (either to settlements downstream or

catchments including the upper valley and hill

to land and agricultural infrastructure) at specific

slopes (which are the main sources of flood water

locations where the most benefit to reducing

to the river); the valley bottom or floodplain and

surface water flow rates can be achieved.

the channels and habitats of the river itself. It’s

www.tweedforum.org/projects

primarily about reducing surface water run-off rates and increasing storage.

The project is working in 5 sub-catchments of the Tweed at 59 individual sites. NFM measures being put in place include: Blocking hill drains (mostly in peat bogs), planting hill slope and gully (native) woodlands,

placing

log

jams

across

minor

watercourses, undertaking bankside revetment, creating water retention ponds, re-meandering rivers, planting transverse hedges and planting floodplain (native) woodlands.

Funding for the work comes from a wide variety of public and private sources including; the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), the

Image: Tweed Forum

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Camel Invasives Natural England & Westcountry Rivers Trust The River Camel is an important catchment which

riparian habitats, the Westcountry Rivers Trust

runs from the source on Bodmin Moor to the north

(WRT) have been working in partnership with

Cornish coast, and its tributaries cover varied and

Natural England on the INNS issue within the

valued habitats. It is notable for a number of

Camel Catchment for several years.

species such as Otter, Atlantic Salmon and Bullhead which has led to Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status across a large percentage of its length.

Due to the conservation status, the catchment is of great interest to Natural England (NE) in its role to protect and preserve species and habitats, and to encourage farmers and landowners to play a role in

its

protection

also

–

either

statutory

requirements such as closely managed operations within

SSSIs

or

through

uptake

of

Agri-

Environment Schemes such as Higher Level Stewardship (HLS).

Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) pose a threat to some of our most valued habitats across the UK. On the River Camel catchment INNS are limited, at present, to plant species only as far as records indicate.

As part of a holistic approach to improve river and

Image: Himalayan balsam by Natubico (Flickr CC3.0)

The River Camel INNS work originally began in 2004 and dependent on funding, has continued in one form of project or another for WRT ever since.

The most recent 2014 project follows on from these previous projects in an effort to control the spread

of

Himalyan

Balsam

glandulifera),

Japanese

Knotweed

(Impatiens (Fallopia

japonica) and a single site of American Skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) on the River Camel.

The focus for Natural England has been a number of SSSI units which are being pushed into unfavourable and/or declining condition. The project has been delivered using carefully selected methods conducted by experienced contractors.

This ensures that the River Camel is managed in an appropriate manner, aiding in the prevention and spread of INNS further down the catchment.

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Tweed Invasives Project Tweed Forum Invasive species such as Giant Hogweed, Japanese

decreasing

Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, pose a serious

eradication more likely.

threat to our natural heritage by out-competing native species. They can out-compete because the natural checks and balances (e.g. predation) which native species are subject to do not affect nonnative species.

year

on

year

making

eventual

Japanese Knotweed has proved more challenging to control, however, it is more widespread than previously thought. A number of control methods have been trialled but the method of manually chopping the Japanese Knotweed down and then

The Project uses various elimination methods,

spraying down the stems appeared the most

including spraying (with certified herbicides) and

successful, with patches treated in this manor

hand-pulling, to ensure that these damaging

vastly reduced in density and abundance.

invasive species are prevented from flowering each year. For plants such as Giant Hogweed, with a seed-life of up to 12 years, this is vital in ensuring the eventual eradication of the species from the Tweed catchment.

The Project is a close collaboration between Tweed Forum staff and local landowners, farmers, ghillies, fishermen and volunteers.

This means that the

control work is carried out in partnership, a key factor in the success and longevity of our work.

After 10 years of catchment-wide control, Giant Hogweed coverage is greatly reduced and all plants have been prevented from flowering. This means that the seedbank for this species should be

Image: WRT

The status of Himalayan Balsam control in the Till sub-catchment

is

heartening

with

a

steady

decrease in the presence of this species.

During the initial years of control, hand pulling was the method of control adopted, however, this proved to be very slow and costly, making it impossible to cover the whole river. In 2007, the decision was taken to use chemical control and a clear reduction in infestation has shown that this Himalayan Balsam does respond relatively quickly to coordinated control.

www.tweedforum.org/projects/ current-projects/tweed_invasives

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Restoring & Managing Wetlands Using Native Eurasian Beavers Devon Wildlife Trust A wide range of British wetland species depend on

Currently the use of beavers is restricted to a

the habitats created by this once widespread

limited number of fenced sites. However DWT has

keystone species.

submitted an application to monitor the impacts of

Beavers create complex wetland mosaics, creating ponds, canals, mires and braided streams, and coppicing trees like willow as aspen to maintain open grassland habitats within the mosaic. Their wetlands store water in headwaters reducing flooding and ameliorating the impacts of droughts, and trapping pollutants.

This

vegetarian

animal

coppices

trees

to

regenerate fresh young shoots, and grazes grasses and other bankside vegetation. Beavers feel safe in water and create canals and ponds to expand, explore and exploit the riparian corridor.

In headwaters they build leaky dams to create open water where little exists. As well as providing extensive habitats for wetland species, the dams trickle water into the headwaters providing healthy base-flows, and reducing flooding.

Further downstream they coppice riverside trees, bringing light to more shaded areas and creating habitats for invertebrates and fish.

Image: David Plummer www.davidplummerimages.co.uk

the animals living wild on the River Otter.

www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devonbeaver-project

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

SuDS for Schools Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Environment Agency & Thames Water The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is working

This

in partnership with the Environment Agency and

communities to:

Thames Water to protect streams and rivers from pollution, and to ease the strain on existing drainage systems As rainwater flows over hard surfaces such as roofs and roads, it collects pollution, dirt and debris.

This water currently flows into underground pipes

project

helps

schools

and

their

local

Naturalise and ‘green’ outdoor spaces Improve the health of local rivers Provide habitats for wildlife and increase school biodiversity levels Save water

and can go directly in to your local stream or river,

Reduce local flooding

damaging the health of that water body. WWT

Develop whole school understanding related to

wants to improve the quality of surface water entering streams and rivers and keep them healthy for the benefit of wildlife and local communities.

environmental conservation and sustainability Learn outdoors Forge closer links with the local community and

The SuDS for Schools Project aims to build

become a hub for interested parties including

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in ten

businesses and other schools

schools within the Pymmes Brook Catchment in North London. SuDS mimic natural processes by catching and slowing the flow of rain water to streams and rivers, and filtering it to remove pollution along the way. SuDS also aim to keep water on the surface rather than being directed

Increase school profile through local and regional media Develop community understanding related to environmental conservation and sustainability

www.sudsforschools.wwt.org.uk

into underground pipes. Examples of SuDS include rain gardens, swales, detention basins, some types of ponds, reedbeds and green roofs.

Image: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

SuDS Guidance & Best Practice Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust & Environment Agency Together with the RSPB, the Wildfowl & Wetlands

management options that fit the definition of

Trust (WWT) have produced a publication detailing

sustainable drainage. It also reviews their cost and

how to design and install efficient SuDS. The guide

effectiveness in helping to meet the objectives of

is aimed at aimed at local authorities, (and

the Water Framework Directive, to reduce flood

eventual

risk and adapt to climate change.

SuDS

Approving

Bodies

(SABs)),

landscape architects, developers, engineers, master -planners and anyone wishing to deliver benefits for people and wildlife through SuDS.

The techniques described focus on intercepting run-off and trapping sediment before it leaves the field. This can provide additional benefits such as

Using best practice case studies, the guide

temporarily capturing water and slowing down

complements existing guidelines and identifies

flow which can help reduce localised flooding and

design features and criteria to maximise ecological

provide valuable micro-aquatic habitats in the right

benefits.

circumstances. Options explored in the report

www.wwt.org.uk/conser vation/ saving-wetlands-and-wildlife/ influencing-action/guidance In 2012, the Environment Agency published a report on Rural Sustainable Drainage Systems (RSuDS). The report was compiled by Macaulay Institute with the aim of compiling an inventory of

include trenches, wetlands, retention ponds and buffers and many of these features can be further enhanced by sediment traps as part of the design.

The report contends that whilst rural SuDS may be more complex to create compared to a simple buffer strip, they also provide a number of additional benefits for the landowner and can increase the effectiveness of existing features such

Rural SuDS that are appropriate for use in

as buffer strips, walls and new hedgerows.

agricultural systems. It also describes their relative

tinyurl.com/nm2ywpt

cost and effectiveness in farming systems.

The report provides a list of existing land

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

The Sheffield Waterways Strategy South Yorkshire Forest, the River Stewardship Company & various partners The Sheffield Waterways Strategy shows an

friends group by joining river clean ups, attending

inspiring vision of Sheffield’s rivers by 2022; once

river themed community events and supporting

again providing places where people choose to

future funding bids.

live, work and invest.

One of the key delivery partners in the Sheffield

The strategy has been prepared by a partnership

Waterways Strategy is local The River Stewardship

between voluntary sector groups and statutory

Company who work to improve the waterways for

organisations, all of whom have an active role in

people and wildlife in and around Sheffield.

the care and regeneration of Sheffield waterways.

The RSC passionately believe in the value of well

The aim of the group is to promote co-ordinated regeneration of our waterways.

 As beautiful places for people to relax and enjoy

Sheffield has over 150 miles of rivers and streams which, to a large extent, are responsible for the character of the city that we know today. Sheffield rivers and streams are major assets to the city and the

Strategy

will

help

deliver

sustainable

regeneration for future generations.

The vision for Sheffield rivers by 2022 includes watercourses and river corridors as defining features of a modern competitive, sustainable and attractive city, rich in wildlife and offering a wonderful quality of life to residents, workers and visitors.

It is hoped the Strategy will help re-engage local people, inspiring them to volunteer with their local

Image: Five Weirs Walk in Sheffield by Tim Ellis (Flickr CC2.0)

maintained waterways

 As rich habitats for wildlife  As desirable settings for businesses and residents The RSC are committed to delivering high quality practical riverside management work on behalf of private, public and third sector customers.

The RSC campaign for better care of our waterways and run projects to inform and involve local young people and volunteers in waterway improvements and fun waterside activities and events.

www.southyorkshireforest.co.uk wwww.the-rsc.co.uk

Deliver targeted & integrated catchment interventions...

Regenerating Parks in London Local Authorities, Environment Agecy & local delivery partners Ladywell Fields, originally Ladywell Recreation

all designed to create more sustainable drainage

Ground is a public park in the London Borough of

and reduce flooding. This restoration also gave the

Lewisham created from three historic fields. The

park a new entrance, adventure playground and

park, which consists of three adjoining fields,

tennis courts.

extends to 22 hectares (54 acres) and follows the

tinyurl.com/nbcgao6

course of the River Ravensbourne.

The River Ravensbourne is the major natural

The restoration of the Mayes Brook in Mayesbrook

feature of the park's three fields, but previous work

Park, in the London Borough of Barking and

to reduce flooding had affected its aesthetic,

Dagenham,

has

recreational and environmental value. The park

community

focal

underwent

environmental

enhancements

in

2007/8

to

the

created

an

point

regeneration

ecological

within

a

project.

and

broader It

was

northern Field to divert the river into main area of

designed to produce the UK’s first climate change

the field creating a wonderful natural space where

adaptation public park. The restoration of an urban

river dipping and paddling is popular in the

river within a barren park landscape is also a good

Summer months.

example of an approach that combines flood

Then in 2010/11, a major £2m project was funded

storage, biodiversity enhancement and adaptation

by the London Development Agency and won

to climate change within a city environment.

‘best new public space’ in the London Planning

thamesriverstrust.org.uk/projects/ mayesbrook-climate-change-park

Awards 2011. Renovation, which was undertaken

by BDP and East Architecture, included redesigned footpaths, river viewing platforms, an orchard and meadows. The river channel was modified to create a

more

naturalistic

setting

incorporating

backwaters, wetlands and riverside tree planting –

Image: Ladywell Field, Lewisham by Ellis Munro (Flickr CC2.0)

4

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

The principal, over-arching aim of any catchment management work is to improve the water quality in our freshwater ecosystems and to make a significant contribution to their attainment of good ecological status in accordance with requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. It is therefore vital that sufficient evidence is collected to provide an objective and robust assessment of the improvements delivered.

Ultimately, we must be able to justify that the money spent and the interventions delivered across the landscape have delivered significant improvements in water quality (and have therefore made significant contributions to the delivery of good ecological status of river catchments) and have generated significant secondary financial, ecological and social benefits.

Image: WRT

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Ecological & water quality monitoring Various Perhaps the best way to demonstrate the benefits

paired monitoring sites are immediately above and

of a catchment or environmental management

below the point of intervention in connected

programme is to undertake monitoring before and

directional systems (i.e. rivers and streams). Such

after the intervention is delivered. In theory, if the

sites are typically close together and can be

baseline

well

demonstrated to be the same or different prior to

characterised, then it should be possible to detect

intervention. Changes following intervention can

the changes resulting from the action taken.

then be detected in the downstream site while the

(pre-intervention)

condition

is

The monitoring taken at these sites can be

upstream site will not be effected by the measures.

designed to look at biological measures (such as

It is worth noting that, while these monitoring

behaviour, biodiversity, community composition or

approaches have been used very effectively to

ecological health), variations in the chemical

demonstrate the effectiveness of environmental

composition of the water or soil (such as

measures in numerous small-scale experiments, as

concentrations

physical

the study site grows in size increased noise in the

properties of the environment (such as hydrology,

system will tend to mask any improvements that

temperature, morphology).

have been achieved. This problem means that the

and

loads)

or

the

An alternative and/or additional approach to this temporally controlled evaluation is to use matched spatial control sites. These sites are identified as having a similar baseline condition and character

demonstration of landscape- or catchment-scale improvements

through

the

delivery

of

interventions is extremely challenging without a sufficient level of delivery being achieved.

to the test site, but do not receive the intervention.

Having said this, a number of catchment-scale

Both sites are monitored before and after

programmes, such a the Defra Demonstration Test

intervention and differences between them after

Catchment Initiative have attempted to gather

intervention are recorded.

evidence of this type.

The simplest spatial control is achieved when the

Image: WRT

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Defra Demonstration Test Catchments (DTC) Various partners in each DTC consortium Demonstration Test Catchments (DTC) is a UK

DTC was established to address the gap in

government-funded project designed to provide

empirical evidence on the cost-effectiveness of

robust evidence regarding how diffuse pollution

combinations

from agriculture can be cost-effectively controlled

measures at catchment scales. By setting up as a

to improve and maintain water quality in rural river

platform with a community of researchers working

catchment areas.

closely with local stakeholders (practitioners and

The DTC project is currently working in four study catchments in England, which are representative of 80% of UK soil-rainfall combinations and the major farm types in England and Wales.

of

diffuse

pollution

mitigation

policy-delivery agents) and policy-makers.

DTC has three main roles:  As a programme of linked and co-ordinated research

projects

to

provide

underpinning

The catchments were selected in order to build on

research, from farm to catchment scale, that

existing infrastructure, datasets, knowledge and

informs policy and practical approaches

farming contacts developed through previous and ongoing initiatives, which have not previously been well linked.

collaborative research on diffuse pollution from agriculture

The catchments are also undergoing enhanced monitoring

 As a research platform: to host longer-term

through

the

England

Catchment

Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative.  The Eden in Cumbria  The Wensum in Norfolk  The Avon in Hampshire - and the Tamar on the Devon/Cornwall border in close association with the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

Image: Clouds over the Avon by Allan (Flickr CC2.0)

 As a demonstration and co-ordination activity to demonstrate scientifically robust approaches to diffuse pollution mitigation

www.demonstratingcatchmentmana gement.net/

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Effectiveness of Measures to Mitigate Diffuse Rural Pollution Scottish Government & Sniffer The overall objective of this project was to provide

likely effectiveness of policy mechanisms in

an independent, evidence-based assessment of the

meeting WFD objectives in 2015.

extent to which available policy implementation options will tackle diffuse pollution by 2015.

tinyurl.com/o3pafeb

The first phase of this project investigated the

In 2013 a second phase of this project was

feasibility of developing a Geographic Information

concluded that aimed to predict the effectiveness

System (GIS) based screening tool for diffuse

of SEPA/Scottish Government measures to mitigate

pollution at the national scale, involving a review of

diffuse pollution and contribute to reducing

available modelling methodologies and datasets.

greenhouse gas emissions.

Relevant models to address individual pollutant

The hypothesis to be tested in this project is: ‘the

pressures and appropriate datasets were found to

measures and approach described in the Rural

have been developed in the past, but application

Diffuse Pollution Plan for Scotland will achieve

of a screening tool at such a large scale, covering

WFD objectives for catchments impacted by

both rural and urban pressures, and considering all

diffuse pollution’.

pressures, had not been attempted before.

Results from a modelling exercise will be used as

Nevertheless, it was concluded that a basic-level

part of the overall assessment of the effectiveness

screening tool for Scotland and Northern Ireland

of measures and will subsequently help develop

was practicable and would be a significant

policy for the next basin plan and Scotland Rural

contribution to the characterisation of water body

Development Programme.

catchments under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The initial report produced, therefore, provides an overview of diffuse pollution and an analysis of the

Image: Sean Dugan (Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre)

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Quantifying the Benefits of Catchment Management Initiatives UKWIR This report presents a framework and supporting

economically viable or to decide where to invest in

toolkit for assessing the benefits of catchment

catchment management. This set of four Volumes

management schemes.

comprises a Benefit Assessment Framework, an

Specifically it develops an approach for quantifying the benefits; provides structured, step-by-step guidance on undertaking a benefit assessment; offers practical advice and guidance on assessing effectiveness and monetising resulting benefits; signposts further guidance, resources and tools; and discusses how the results of the benefit assessment may be used in a cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis.

The framework may be used to undertake a qualitative, quantitative or monetary assessment of the benefits (or negative dis-benefits) resulting from a specific management intervention. The framework may also be used in an appraisal to forecast the benefits of one or more options before a decision is made, or in an evaluation to measure the benefits realised by an operational scheme.

This information may be an end in itself, but is more commonly input into a cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis to judge whether a scheme is

Image: WRT

Overview Report, a Review of the Effectiveness of Catchment

Management

Initiatives

and

Case

Studies.

www.ukwir.org/ukwirlibrary/95165 tinyurl.com/lqtus5r

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Catchment Management Evidence Review Westcountry Rivers Trust The principal, over-arching aim of any catchment

pollutant loads and evaluated the data and

management work is to improve the water quality

evidence for the efficacy of these measures. This

in our freshwater ecosystems and to make a

process has also allowed them to identify the

significant contribution to their attainment of good

interventions for which the evidence of efficacy

ecological status in accordance with requirements

does not exist or where it does not exist at an

of the EU Water Framework Directive. It is

appropriate scale.

therefore vital that sufficient evidence is collected to provide an objective and robust assessment of the improvements delivered.

The review also addresses issues of scale and reviews a selection of modelling tools that can be used to predict the impact of interventions and

In this review, Westcountry Rivers Trust explore the

measures at a larger sub-catchment or whole-

data and evidence available, which, taken together,

catchment scale. It also explores the potential for

demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively that

secondary environmental, economic and societal

the delivery of integrated catchment management

benefits to result from the delivery of catchment

interventions can realise genuine improvements in

management interventions.

water quality. To support the evidence collected, they have also summarised a number of case studies

which

demonstrate

catchment

management in action.

For each of the main groups of pollutants, identified key sources of pollutant loads and

Finally the governance structures currently being used to implement a catchment managementbased approach in the UK are reviewed and some of the approaches now being adopted to create catchment management plans are examined.

examined the impacts these pollutants have on the

issuu.com/westcountryriverstrust

aquatic environment, including how they translate

tinyurl.com/qc3htrk

into a cost or risk to society. They have also identified key mitigation measures for reducing

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

CSF Evaluation Natural England Evaluation is a core part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) project: essential for assessing delivery of objectives and benefits.

As part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming programme, Natural England have undertaken an evaluation study to demonstrate the benefits that the delivery of advice and measures have realised.

Diffuse pollution is a complex issue and there is significant uncertainty associated with measuring the benefits of mitigation.

To address this, Natural England's approach draws on data and information from a range of sources to develop the overall evidence for the benefits of CSF. These include: Farmer engagement Farmer awareness and attitude Uptake of measures to control pollution Pollutant losses and water quality In addition to a comprehensive report, Natural England have also produced a number of case studies and technical reports covering specific areas; such as, advice and education delivery, water quality monitoring and environmental modelling.

publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ file/6538023361576960 publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ category/6919090

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Farmscoper ADAS The

FARM

SCale

Optimisation

of

Pollutant

Emission Reductions (FARMSCOPER) model is a decision support tool that can be used to assess diffuse agricultural pollutant loads on a farm and quantify the impacts of farm pollution control options on these pollutants.

FARMSCOPER allows unique farming systems to be created, based on combinations of livestock, cropping and manure management practices. The pollutant losses and impacts of mitigation can then be assessed for these farming systems.

The effect of a potential intervention is expressed as a percentage reduction in the pollutant loss from specific sources, areas or pathways.

The tool utilises a number of existing models :  Phosphorus and Sediment Yield Characterisation in Catchments (PSYCHIC)  National Environment Agricultural PollutionNitrate (NEAP-N)  National

Ammonia

Reduction

Strategy

Evaluation System (NARSES)  MANure Nitrogen Evaluation Routine (MANNER)  IPPC method for methane and nitrous oxide.

Use monitoring & modelling to measure improvements...

Extended Export Co-Efficient Model (ECM+) University of East Anglia & Westcountry Rivers Trust The Extended Nutrient Export Coefficient Model (ECM+) has been developed by the University of East Anglia under the Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU)

Programme

and

part-funded

by

the

Westcountry Rivers Trust. implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) (Cuttle et al. 2007) will have on sediment, faecal indicator organisms (FIOs), phosphorus and nitrogen inputs into watercourses.

 Farming

practices:

current

different land-use types to calculate exports of these pollutants based on the following input data: urban

and

various agricultural landuses.  Livestock numbers—including numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry.  Population served, treatment levels and locations of Sewage Treatment Works (STWs).  Population not served by STWs: i.e. septic tanks.

of

Best

Management Practices and effectiveness in What makes the ECM+ model such a powerful tool is that it is constructed with the participation of farmers, water company representatives and other stakeholders in the catchment and this allows all of added into the model. The model is also calibrated at the sub-catchment level with real-world, instream measurements of pollutant load derived from Environment Agency monitoring data.

Another important component of the ECM+ model is that, once it has been built, it is then possible to develop and run a number of scenarios with the stakeholders (which can include different blends of both Best Management Practices on farms and improved

sewage

treatment

measures)

and

observe their effects on the export of pollutants to

 Road and track density.

the watercourse.

 Rainfall and hydrological data combined with in-

youtu.be/XQsGUNxvyjA

stream processing of pollutants.

uptake

the input data to be ‘ground-truthed’ before it is

Put simply, the model uses export coefficients for

distribution—including

modelled impact on pollutant load at outflow.

reducing pollutant export.

ECM+ has been developed to predict the effects

 Landuse

 Location and area of lakes and reservoirs with

WaterLIFE Working with communities, business and government for healthy rivers In this collection of case studies we have attempted to create a showcase of the tools, approaches, best practice guidance and projects currently being delivered by organisations, groups and individuals engaged in Defra’s Catchment Based Approach Initiative.

It is hoped that this collection will continue to grow as further case studies are contributed and all of the material presented here will also be placed onto the Catchment Based Approach website.

This document has been produced through a collaboration between the Westcountry Rivers Trust, The Rivers Trust and the Catchment Based Approach Community and with funding from the EU LIFE Programme as part of the WaterLIFE Project. WaterLIFE aims to help local communities engage with River Basin Management Plans and to deliver on-the-ground improvements that support accelerated delivery of the Water Framework Directive.

Westcountry Rivers Trust Rain Charm House, Kyl Cober Parc, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall PL17 8PH tel: 01579 372140; email: info@wrt.org.uk; web: www.wrt.org.uk This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

The copyright of all material remains with the originators unless otherwise stated.