To receive an update on the NMP.

[Herefordshire Council]

The Chairperson outlined options for the development of the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) and invited comments from board members and other meeting participants.  The principal points included:

i.             Gemma Dando reported that: the Statutory Officers’ Group had identified a preference for single plan, with a single set of objectives, given the need to pull in the same direction and work to the same goals; and Herefordshire Council would be prepared to undertake a coordinating role.

ii.            Pat Stirling said that: the proposal was welcomed, particularly given the overlap between the Nutrient Management Plan and the Catchment Management Plan; the process would need to be communicated to the respective members; the Evidence Base for Wales identified measures per sub catchment area and this level of specificity would be needed in the plan; and the need to improve the ecological status of the catchment on both sides of the border should be recognised.

iii.          The Chairperson suggested that interim targets and trajectories should be included, and consideration should be given to lifting the evidence base further, particularly to assist regulators on matters such as voluntary agriculture mitigation measures and Water Protection Zones.

iv.          Andrew McRobb noted that there was general consensus for a single plan, but consideration should be given to discrete elements for the Nutrient Management Board given its specific responsibilities and accountabilities.

v.           In response to a question from the Chairperson, Pat Stirling advised that the membership of the task and finish group for the Catchment Management Plan had not yet been announced but he supported the inclusion of a representative from the Nutrient Management Board.

Later in the discussion, the following additional points were made: Helen Dale requested agricultural sector representation; and the Chairperson said that the Nutrient Management Board nominee would need to represent the diverse viewpoints of board members.

vi.          In response to a question from Pat Stirling, Claire Minett reported that Natural England had undertaken condition assessments for the Lugg and the Wye, and subsequent analysis may inform whether a nitrogen target was applicable or necessary; data would be shared at the earliest opportunity.  Ann Weedy reported that SAC and WFD compliance had been undertaken in 2024, with the next assessment due in 2027.

vii.         Helen Dale supported a single plan, subject to it being produced collaboratively, with any proposals informed by risk and cost assessments.

viii.       Liz Bickerton made observations about the need for an actions focused approach and for measurable indicators to ensure that progress was being made.

ix.          Councillor Charlton said that it was important to have clarity around the ownership of the plan, with a preference expressed for ownership by the Nutrient Management Board.

x.           Gemma Dando clarified that the Herefordshire Council resource offer was around the initial development of the plan.  It was noted various issues would need to be explored, including ownership and the roles of each organisation, mindful of the separate decision-making arrangements.

xi.          Louise Bodnar invited the Environment Agency to consider whether any effective and actionable measures identified through the Nutrient Management Plan would help to progress the case for a Water Protection Zone.  It was suggested that funding should be used on applied research to test the effectiveness of the actions in the Nutrient Management Plan.

Martin Quine confirmed that the Environment Agency considered data and evidence from various sources.

It was moved that the Nutrient Management Plan forms in some way part of the Catchment Management Plan, as a detachable document and which will be overseen in terms of the delivery of actions by the Nutrient Management Board.