Outline of approach and how the Nutrient Management Board might have a role in the development of the work.

[Dr Rounaq Nayak, UWE Bristol; 15 minutes]

Dr Rounaq Nayak (Senior Lecturer in Farming Systems, UWE Bristol) briefed the board.  The principal points included:

i.             UWE Bristol had been awarded funding in April 2026 for the three-year research project.

ii.            The project would work directly with farmers to test the effectiveness of interventions and to generate evidence to inform policy development for the Wye, and for catchment programmes nationally.

iii.          There would be a ‘living labs’ approach to co-design solutions, delivered in partnership with Hartpury University and Hartpury College, with the engagement of farmers and other stakeholders in the catchment.

iv.          The first phase would include participatory workshops over the next five months.

In view of the interconnected nature of the various projects and initiatives within the catchment, the Chairperson commented on the importance of establishing effective information flow to the Nutrient Management Board and to the Wye Catchment Partnership.

In response to a question from Councillor McFarling, Rounaq Nayak said that farm selection criteria were to be defined and would be informed by the findings of the participatory workshops and assessment of the feasibility of potential interventions.

It was noted that there would be engagement with farmers in both England and Wales.

Louise Bodnar, as the Voice of the River, expressed concern that the framing for the project appeared to be around the feasibility of interventions for farming businesses rather the needs of the Wye and the species and habitats dependent upon it; adding that adjustments to ‘business as usual’ would not be enough to solve the problems for the river.  Rounaq Nayak said that the participatory workshops would engage a diverse range of stakeholders and facilitate candid conversations about the issues.

Pat Stirling noted the need for due diligence within the project but felt that the opportunity should not be missed to share evidence and understanding obtained through the work on the Wye Catchment Management Plan. 

It was noted that Rounaq Nayak was due to meet with the Wye Catchment Partnership at the end of May 2026.

Helen Dale commented that the Country Land and Business Association and the National Farmers’ Union could assist with farmer and landowner engagement.

The Chairperson thanked Rounaq Nayak and noted that board members were keen to engage with the project as it moved forward.

[Note: subsequent to the meeting, a briefing note was provided; available here Wye Catchment Living Labs Programme (link)]