The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting.

To approve the minutes from the meeting of 10 April 2024.

Led by: Chair

The minutes of the previous meeting, dated 10 April 2024, were approved.

To provide the opportunity to members of the public attending the meeting to ask questions of the statutory partners.

HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS: The deadline for the submission of questions for this meeting is 5 pm on Monday 22 April 2024. Questions must be submitted to NutrientManagementBoard@herefordshire.gov.uk. Questions sent to any other address may not be accepted. Accepted questions and the responses will be published as a supplement to the agenda papers prior to the meeting.

Led by: All

No public questions were received.

To discuss the DEFRA plan for the Wye.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/river-wye-action-plan/river-wye-action-plan

Anthea McIntyre (Champion for the River Wye) introduced herself to the board.

Will Lacey (DEFRA) introduced himself to the board and noted that he was involved with the creation of the plan.

The Chair recommended that the background to the plan and key issues in relation to it are discussed prior to the board discussing the nine commitments made in the plan.

Some of the key issues that were discussed were as follows:

1. Citizen Science:

a)     The Chair noted that no money has been set aside for Citizen Science in the plan and that support is needed to help them carry out their work.

b)     The role of citizen science was discussed in relation to monitoring river health, noting the work of volunteers involved.

c)     Cllr Catrin Maby raised concerns about a credibility gap where citizen scientists are not getting enough clarity on the use of knowledge accumulated.

d)     Anthea McIntyre pointed out the lack of funding for citizen science in the current plan and suggested providing support without making it a paid occupation.

2. River Pollution and Management:

a)     Catherine Osborne shared insights on an integrated catchment approach, stressing a holistic view to tackle river pollution.

b)     Will Lacey discussed the issue of phosphorous in the Wye Catchment, highlighting that a one-size-fits-all solution is ineffective. He advocated for evidence-based, site-specific actions.

3. Collaboration and Cross-Border Coordination:

a)     Catherine Osborne emphasized the need for collaboration between DEFRA, Welsh Government, and other stakeholders.

b)     The river summit in Wales was noted, emphasizing its importance in fostering collaboration across borders.

c)     Anthea McIntyre noted that she is working closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, and DEFRA.

d)     Andrew Blake and Merry Albright highlighted the necessity of cross-border coordination, as the River Wye's health affects both England and Wales.

4. Challenges and Potential Actions:

a)     The Chair identified the four main challenges listed in the plan: excess nutrients (especially phosphates), excess sediment, climate change, and invasive species.

b)     Suggested interventions included catchment-sensitive farming, improved evidence and data management, and supporting local cooperation initiatives.

The Chair then proceeded through each of the nine commitments made in the plan.

5. Appoint a locally based River Champion 

a)     It was noted that Anthea McIntyre was appointed as the locally based River Champion for the Wye.

b)     It was asked whether Anthea McIntyre’s position as River Champion could be subject to change following the outcome of the next general election.

c)     Anthea McIntyre noted that her appointment is in the gift of the Secretary of State and that it is her hope that the next Secretary of State can and will reappoint her as River Champion.

d)     Anthea McIntyre restated that she is an independent person and will be looking to work toward a five-to-ten-year plan, but was not going to put a specific timeframe on work done.

e)     It was agreed that more collaboration on understanding plans such as the NMP and the DWPP would be helpful and that to have a meeting with Anthea McIntyre after this NMB  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

There was no other business raised at the meeting.

The date of the next meeting is 18^th July 2024, 14:00.

The date of the next meeting is 31^st July 2024, 14:00.