WATER pollution levels have fallen in many of Wessex’s river catchments thanks to farmers’ involvement in the Catchment Sensitive Farming project (CSF) – a joint project between Natural England and the Environment Agency.

CSF delivers training and advice and targeted support to enable farmers to take voluntary action to reduce diffuse water pollution from agriculture.

A Capital Grants Scheme is available which offers a fixed rate payment of approximately 50% of costs for improvements to facilities such as roofing of slurry stores and open stock yards.

Over the last five years, 803 CSF agreements have been established in the Wessex area, and through a combination of targeted training and advice and funding of over £6m, CSF has helped farmers to reduce soil erosion and run-off of nitrates, phosphates and pesticides into local watercourses.

Recent surveys have shown that as a result of the management measures recommended to farmers through CSF, sediment concentrations have fallen significantly within the Wessex river catchments of the Stour, Frome, and Piddle in Dorset, the Somerset Levels and Moors and the Hampshire Avon.

This survey work has included identifying what the source types are in terms of land use being predominantly responsible for the loading of rivers. This has allowed the support to be tailored to give the best solution to diffuse pollution problems.

Dorset CSF Officer Charlotte Woodford said: “We are delighted that the Catchment Sensitive Farming project has been so successful in the Wessex catchments.

“Thanks to the efforts of local farmers the rivers are now in far healthier condition and water quality has significantly improved. This proves that CSF not only offers valuable help to farmers, but also achieves real results in reducing diffuse pollution.’’ The Capital Grant Scheme which forms part of the CSF initiative has been targeted to address specific issues in each priority catchment. Items covered typically include roofing of stock yards, slurry and silage stores and improvements to guttering, drainage and farm tracks to reduce unwanted runoff.

Each item attracts a fixed payment from the grant scheme of around 50% of the total cost, up to a maximum of £10,000 per holding, with the farmer providing the remainder. The Capital Grant Scheme has proved particularly successful in the South West and 50 per cent of its budget is now focussed on the region.

Andy Foot, who farms in the Dorset Stour, said: “The CSF grant scheme is a welcome incentive to make those much needed changes around the farm.

“I was unsuccessful the first time I applied but persevered the following year and was awarded a grant to cover a large area of open feed yard. This will significantly reduce the volume of slurry produced ultimately needing to be stored and then spread. I would encourage all farmers to get involved with the project.

“The grant can give you the kick start you need and the specialist training and advice has been invaluable.”

For more details on the Catchment Sensitive Farming project contact Charlotte Woodford on 07824 498959 or charlotte.woodford@naturalengland.org.uk or visit naturalengland.org.uk/csf