Catchment Sensitive Farming

Organisation: Natural England

Location: National

Type: Technical Support & Training

Link: Visit Website

Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) raises awareness of diffuse pollution from agriculture by giving free training and advice to farmers in selected areas in England. The aim of the advice is to improve the environmental performance of farms.

Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) is a project run by Natural England in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It’s staffed by trained, qualified and experienced advisors. The advice is confidential and not disclosed to other parties.

Overall, CSF has two principle aims: (1) to save farms money by introducing careful nutrient and pesticide planning, reduce soil loss and help farmers meet their statutory obligations such as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, and (2) to deliver environmental benefits such as reducing water pollution, cleaner drinking water, safer bathing water, healthier fisheries, thriving wildlife and lower 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 area and farming sector. This advice includes workshops, farm events and individual farm appraisals. CSF also offer capital grants, at up to 60% of the total funding, to deliver improvements in farm infrastructure.

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

Evaluation

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.

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