Together with Eden Rivers Trust, South Cumbria Rivers Trust were commissioned by Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to deliver engagement activities as part of their Nutrient Neutrality strategy.
What is Nutrient Neutrality?
Nutrient Neutrality North West is a partnership of organisations (LDNPA, Westmorland & Furness Council, Cumberland Council) working together to protect freshwaters. Nutrient pollution is a particular concern and can have devasting effects on our rivers and lakes. Zones within four catchments in the Lake District/Cumbria were identified by Natural England, with guidance issued to ensure that any new developments do not add extra nutrients, especially in the form of phosphates, into the catchments.
The main aim is to protect rivers and lakes classed in two ways:
- Those that are currently “good” – to keep low levels of nutrients
- Those that are currently “poor” – to stop further decline
The Four Catchments/Zones are as follows:
- River Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- River Eden SAC
- River Kent SAC
- Esthwaite Water RAMSAR site
Research and analysis has produced a breakdown of where nutrients/phosphates are primarily coming from (often referred to as P loading). For example, from mains sewage, agriculture or non-mains drainage.
In simple terms, if a development is to go ahead, it must not add any extra nutrients. If this can’t be avoided then it must have a way of removing the equivalent amount elsewhere, thereby being nutrient neutral. This mitigation can take place in different ways and be offered to a range of organisations/landowners to host sites.
Mitigation options include:
- River restoration measures
- Creation of buffer strips
- Support for upgrading non-mains drainage systems ie, replacing an old septic tank to a package treatment plant
- Creation of wetlands
For further details
Please visit the LDNPA website for further information: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/planning-for-nature-recovery/nutrient-neutrality
Engagement Activities
South Cumbria Rivers Trust have worked with years 5 and 6 from three schools that fall within or are close to the Nutrient Neutrality zones in the River Kent and Esthwaite Water catchments.
The sessions included an interactive presentation to get the children thinking about how special our rivers and lakes are, what special species are found within them and looked at human impact on them too.
The children worked on some jigsaws that illustrated good and bad river management, then the session finished with some investigative work. Each class worked in small groups to see how a variety of items household/hygiene items “dissolved” in water, simulating what should or shouldn’t be put down the toilet. The conclusion? Only the 3Ps should go down the loo, that is pee, poo and paper (toilet) and definitely not wet wipes!
Community Engagement
Eden Rivers Trust are joining forces with SCRT to host a community online webinar in March, to share information about nutrient pollution, septic tanks and how to get involved in Nutrient Neutrality. More details to follow.