Snipe in the Avon Valley
Yet another publication from the Government today – the Water White Paper. Could this be a plan for the recovery of our wetlands, rivers and the wider natural environment?
The Minister’s opening remarks in the Commons today started with how important water is for economic growth. No surprise that this was the top of the list given this Government’s focus on the economy and little else at the moment.
There are some welcome announcements in Water for Life however, including a commitment to a ‘catchment approach’ where landowners and key organisations work together on a large scale to protect and restore rivers and wetlands. Whilst this seems a positive step forward, funds and support are urgently needed to make sure practical actions are taken rather than the approach resulting simply in more meetings and ‘stakeholder consultations’.
If implemented properly, a catchment approach can bring significant benefits for wildlife, ecosystem services and people. Both Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts are partners in South West Water’s Upstream Thinking project, which is addressing water quality issues by working with landowners to change management practices. Benefits so far include reduced fertiliser costs for farmers, and record web counts of marsh fritillary butterflies.
Taking a joined up approach is key: rivers don’t exist in isolation. Mountain, moorland, and upland heath provide 70% of the UK’s drinking water with 17 billion litres of water a day taken from ecosystems by public water demand. The benefits to investing in healthy, functioning ecosystems are clear. But we are still a long way from a totally integrated approach to protecting them. In fact, around 30% of the services they deliver are currently declining.*
An overarching framework for restoration of the natural environment is needed: one which recognises the interdependencies of land and water management. The principles the Government has set out are sound but will they succeed without a bigger and well resourced plan for nature’s recovery?
Helen Perkins at the Wildlife Trusts national office has concerns about the timescales mentioned in the White Paper, such as implementation of a new abstraction regime not due until the mid to late 2020s.
Helen says: “Water shortages present immediate threats to wildlife. Low water levels from both abstraction and drought conditions can trigger serious declines in species such as water vole, and compromise the breeding success of fish species such as brown trout. The long timescales and the piecemeal way in which changes will be introduced is a concern. With the drought situation currently unfolding, action is needed now.”
***
Debbie Tann 