NFU gives water maintenance trial backing
New trials aimed at unburdening farmers of bureaucracy when undertaking low-risk watercourse maintenance activities to help reduce flood risk have been given the backing of the NFU.
The Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon, confirmed in a letter to stakeholders the development of a more streamlined flood consenting system by mid-2015. The proposals will be trialled on main rivers (those regulated by the Environment Agency) in seven pilot areas starting this autumn.
The NFU will work with farmers, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Internal Drainage Boards to promote the trials and raise awareness of how to undertake maintenance such as dredging in an effective way which considers the environment.
NFU Deputy President, Meurig Raymond said: “There are many situations where farmers are able to carry out maintenance of watercourses, and we have been calling for a simpler system for them to get consent to do so. I am therefore pleased that the Ministers announcement goes a long way towards delivering that.
“The damage and losses suffered in last year’s floods remain only too clearly in the minds of many farmers. These trials will help those who are in a position to undertake dredging or other maintenance; but it will also be important that Environment Agency funding is available where it is appropriate.”