Nitrate vulnerable zones

From 1 January 2009 the areas covered by Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) were increased to approximately 70% of England to comply with the European Communities Nitrates Directive and reduce nitrogen losses from agricultural land to water sources.

See map for NVZs in our region

The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008, the legal basis for the new rules, came into force for the existing NVZs on 1 January 2009, and will apply within the new NVZs from 1 January 2010. There is a three year transition period for implementing some of the new rules where significant action is required.

These new rules will require the land occupier to comply with 'Action Programme' measures to include closed periods for slurry and poultry manure spreading and manufactured fertiliser application, manure spreading restrictions, nitrogen fertiliser application limits, new regulations for the storage of slurry and poultry manure, record keeping for all nitrogen applications and livestock numbers.

Appeals against the designation of land as an NVZ

The Regulations provide for appeals to be made against the Secretary of State's decision to designate certain areas of England as NVZs. The function of determining appeals is delegated to an independent Appeals Panel that will make its decision based on the evidence submitted. Appeals can only be made by the owner or occupier of the land in question and can be made if there is evidence to demonstrate that:
the land does not drain into water identified as nitrate-polluted, and/or
the water to which the land drains should not have been identified as polluted.

The closing date for submitting an appeal is 10 March 2009.
Form NVZ-AA1 must be completed and submitted by 10 March 2009.

If you would like further details or any advice on this and how it may affect you and your farm, please do not hesitate to contact Dan at Samuel & Son on 01435 864020.

Natural England, have arranged a number of free local workshops to offer advice and guidance on completing the new NVZ forms for your farm. Call 0845 345 1302 to reserve a place.

The workshops will run two sessions starting at 10.30am & 2.00pm and are being held on:

Friday 23rd January 2009 - Sedlescombe Golf Club, Kent Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0SD.

Wednesday 4th February 2009 - Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE