New funding for farmers and water friendly alternatives to metaldehyde

The Southern Streams Project helps to deliver Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) advice and funding in the Kennet and Lambourn catchment. We are holding a meeting to tell you about the 2014/15 CSF Capital Grant Scheme and about developments around the use of metaldehyde in the catchment.

Capital Grants are available to help farmers to make infrastructure improvements that minimise diffuse pollution to rivers and groundwater. Andrew Russell, CSF officer for the Kennet and Lambourn will tell you when, where and how to apply for the CSF Capital Grant Scheme and how to maximise your chances of success. £12 million is available nationally. The target area this year stretches from Marlborough to Newbury, and if you farm within the target area in the Kennet and Lambourn catchment significant financial help is available. The location of the target area is available on the Natural England website: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5372032636157952?category=7732063.

Daryl Henehan of Thames Water will be presenting results of water quality monitoring in the Enborne catchment and discussing a proposed project to reduce metaldehyde concentrations from the catchment.

Morley Benson of Certis will tell us about the alternatives to metaldehyde, in particular ferric phosphate, which has a large part to play in the campaign to retain metaldehyde as a useful and effective molluscicide.

You are cordially invited to join us at Newbury Rugby Club, Monks Lane, Newbury RG14 7RW at 16:30 on Tuesday 11th March, 2014, and stay for a bite to eat and a drink after the meeting at 19:00. RSVP please to carolyn@riverkennet.org.

I very much look forward to seeing you there. Yours sincerely

Tim Clarke

Kennet Southern Streams Project Officer