To receive apologies for absence and to note any substitutes.

Formal apologies for absence were recorded at the meeting from: Jamie Audsley (Herefordshire Wildlife Trust); Councillor Jackie Charlton (Powys County Council); Nick Day (The Friends of the Lower Wye); Emma Guy (Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority); Marc Lidderth (Environment Agency); Claire Minett (Natural England); Peter Morris (Powys County Council); Fergus O’Brien (Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water); and Stuart Smith (Wye Salmon Association).

Invitees that had declined the meeting invitation included: Craig O’Connor (Monmouthshire County Council).

The Chair gave her and the Board’s best wishes to Stuart Smith.

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 16 October 2024.

The notes of the previous meeting held on 16 October 2024 were agreed.

The following matters arising were noted:

The Chair raised updates from previous actions, including a letter sent on 31 October 2024 to Herefordshire MPs. It outlined the Board’s and Statutory Officer Group’s work, urging collaboration and requesting visibility on the parliamentary group’s progress. It also flagged the lack of a River Champion, as outlined in Defra’s Wye plan. An email was received by Ellie Chowns MP, updating on cross-party parliamentary efforts, which remain too preliminary for a Board visit at this meeting. She expressed willingness to attend a future session when developments advance.

The Chair noted Lord Lipsey’s initiative to unite Wye-focused Lords and MPs, with the four key catchment MPs now engaged.

Additionally, a letter was sent to HM Treasury referencing Defra’s Wye plan, seeking further commitment, which remains under review. Emma Hardy MP affirmed government support for the Board and catchment partnership, and a meeting was held with her and Huw Irranca-Davies MS.

To receive any written questions from members of the public.

The Chair noted that several questions had been received from members of the public.

For Question 1, the principal points include:

1. It was noted that movement of farmers from the old countryside stewardship into SFI that was happening seamlessly until October 2024 has now caught up in the spending review which has created uncertainty within the farming community.

2. A comment was made about the lack of SFI in the uplands and there is a pause on capital grants throughout the whole of the stewardship and SFI schemes which has caused some of the issues with ageing infrastructure. Until there is certainty, farmers are on pause for a lot of the works that they were aiming to do.

3. It was noted that there will be no budget around the SFS for Wales until at least July. It will not be until July where it will be known what funding exists.

The Chair emphasized the necessity of preparing two sets of notes: one to be written to the Welsh Government addressing support for sustainable farming and its implications, and another to be sent to the UK Government seeking clarification on the Secretary of State’s speech and the effects of the Pickering case.

For the question submitted by Friends of the River Wye, the Chair noted that it is not for the NMB to comment on speeches by the Secretary of State. However, the Chair added that it is wished the Secretary of State know that support for the river and on farming is needed from the government.

However, the decision lay with the board if the majority view was to write to the Secretary of State to comment on his speech to the Oxford Farming Conference.

The Chair asked the Board if it was wished that a formal response was made to the Rt Hon Steve Reed MP.

Action(s):

1. To write to the Welsh Government.
2. To write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The update from the River Wye Statutory Officers’ Group (SOG) includes the following attached documents:

·             River Wye SOG: Meeting notes, 18 December 2024

·             River Wye SOG: Meeting slide deck, December 2024 [additional slides may follow]

·             River Wye SOG: Terms of Reference, December 2024

·             Natural England and Environment Agency consideration of Nitrogen targets on the River Wye and Lugg SAC, December 2024

[with Annex 1: Natural England, Definitions of Favourable Condition for designated features of interest]

·             Environment Agency: Wye Management Catchment Inspection Data, 9 November 2024

The key points made included:

1. The Chair noted that, with respect to the number of farm inspections carried out and actions issued, that EA are pivoting somewhat the way in which they are delivering inspections and the consequences of those inspections. It was asked if this is a trend or if this is a one-off.

2. The Chair commented on catchment sensitive farming and asked what the targets for take up on recommendations and the number of visits.

The key points made included:

1. Martin Quine outlined the Diffuse Water Pollution Plan (DWPP), which the EA is developing post a 2015 judicial review. The DWPP will update and replace the English element of the  Nutrient Management Plan (NMP), with consensus that one plan should cover the catchment. It includes three elements: an evidence base, an options appraisal, and an action plan. The EA and NRW are aligning efforts with Welsh consultants, while discussions focus on the plan’s detail level—specific actions versus broader guidelines. In the West Midlands, the EA is managing three plans, collaborating with NE on one.

2. The EA aims to finalize the plan by March 2025, though it won’t be formally published like other EA policy documents. It will be shared with the Board.

3. Responding to a query on sharing, Martin Quine confirmed a draft would be provided for Board feedback. The EA is assessing how the new plan advances beyond the current one, including mitigation options.

4. On implementation ownership, Martin Quine clarified that the EA and NE will oversee the English section, while NRW handles the Welsh side.

5. Addressing why the Board wasn’t consulted on the options appraisal, Martin Quine noted that partners have been engaged.

6. It was also mentioned that the Nutrient Management Board (NMB) should hold a discussion regarding the DWPP once the Board receives it.

The key points made included:

1. Liz Duberley provided an update on the Welsh evidence of the NMP.

2. Responding to a query about Board engagement, Liz Duberley affirmed that further discussions with the Board would be pursued.

3. On the Nature Restoration Fund, the council is in talks with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) about its structure and has requested inclusion in the pilot scheme.

4. When asked about the start and end dates for the consultants’ appraisal work in the Wye SAC, it was confirmed that these could be provided.

A summary paper is attached.

The Chair invited members to share their views on merging the secretariat functions of the Wye Catchment Partnership and the Nutrient Management Board.

The key points raised were:

1. Previous meetings in Hereford and Leominster saw reduced Welsh participation, but relocating meetings nearer the border improved engagement with the partnership.

2. Combining secretariat services was suggested to generate cost savings and enhance efficiency within the Board.

3. A unified secretariat could alleviate administrative burdens on the Wye and Usk Foundation and the Wye Catchment Partnership, allowing them to focus on their core activities.

A briefing note and working paper attached.

The Board noted the paper, and it was asked for the item to be added to a subsequent agenda.

Action:

1.     It was requested that the item be added to a subsequent NMB meeting agenda.

To receive updates on activity from members of the Wye Catchment Nutrient Management Board.

The Chair reported on a positive meeting with Emma Hardy MP and Huw Irranca-Davies, though no firm outcomes were achieved.

It was proposed that RePhoKUs be invited to present their completed report to the Board, as it would strengthen the Board’s evidence base.

The Chair highlighted Farm Herefordshire’s absence, noting the challenge of obtaining farming sector updates without their input. Georgie Hyde (National Farmers Union) confirmed she had spoken to Farm Herefordshire in relation to receiving a report from Farm Herefordshire for the next Board meeting.

Sarah James (Farm Cymru) announced plans for a Welsh Water Stories conference in Wales in May, to which the Chair offered support with publicity if needed.

Concerns were raised regarding the government’s decision to appeal the outcome of the 2023 High Court Case brought by the Pickering Fishery Association against the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Danial Humphreys noted that Welsh Water is scheduling a co-delivery event in April, aligning with AMP 8 investment plans.

Next scheduled meeting: Wednesday 16 April 2025, 2.00 pm.

The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 16 April 2025, 2.00 pm.