Water testing
The River Wensum is one of the best examples of ‘an enriched calcareous lowland river’ in the UK and Europe but is currently failing to meet the favourable condition targets for phosphorus.
We want to take control and make a difference. The group purchased water quality testing equipment which is used in-field to give indications of where pollution originates from. Alongside nutrient budgeting, we can calculate farm pollutant losses and implement practical measures to reduce losses these include:
- Cover cropping
- Silt traps
- Reduction in inversion tillage
- Reducing bare soil
- Utilising Countryside Stewardship resource protection options
- Water resource protection grants
But note, it isn’t always farmers! Although pollution derived from agriculture is often the only visible pollution, The Wensum is polluted by Sewage Treatment Works, industry, highways and more.
Water quality has become a strong priority for the Wensum Farmers and whilst taking responsibility for our proportion, we are also lobbying other sectors to take theirs.
Additionally, land drains, ditches, tributaries and the main river are routinely tested by the University of East Anglia, all of which so we can learn on the Wensum Farmers catchment water quality.
