The Wye and Usk Foundation

SOIL PROTECTION

• Good soil structure increases crop yield and reduces risk of run off and improves field drainage.

• Soil erosion in the lugg catchment is 10 times the natural rate. Hundres of thousands of tonnes of valuable top soil is carried away each year.

• Similar problems exist in the middle Wye and Monnow catchments.

• Current practices are NOT sustainable

• Loss of these soils is reducing farm profitability and destroying the life in the rivers of Herefordshire

• Soil loss is causing widespread failure of streams & rivers under European law (the Water Framework Directive)

• Protection reduces the risk of Single Farm Payment reductions and the risk of fines, while also reducing the danger of soils washing onto roads and into houses

• Identify high risk areas and practices

• Reduce the risk of soil loss

• Break run off pathways

• Improve crop yields

• Meet cross compliance rules

• Protect the environment for our children

REDUCING INPUTS AND INCREASING OUTPUT

Why?

• Improve farm profitability

• Comply with the Water Framework Directive

• Prevent legislation being used to control farming practices

• Improved public relations with customers (supermarkets/local outlets)

• Prevent removal of pesticides from the allowable list (e.g.slug pellets)

• Make best use of nutrients

• Reduce pesticide losses to water

• Improve farm infrastructure: fencing; drinking places; gutters; yards.

• Easy and quick grant process; you are paid within weeks of completion

• Potential to increase sales of B&B and other services

• Make the most of your shooting, fishing, & wildlife opportunities