Information on the Nutrient Management Plan that's being developed by the Environment Agency and Natural England for the River Clun.
Working with Natural England and other partners, the Environment Agency has developed a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for the River Clun Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The NMP identifies sources of nutrients that are entering the river and steps that can be taken to manage them. The aim of the plan is to manage nutrients in the River Clun SAC to protect the endangered freshwater pearl mussel population. We are asking for your views on the best ways of managing nutrients in the catchment.
The River Clun was once a haven for the protected species but colonies have depleted because of habitat changes and inadequate water quality. As a result of their reduced numbers this population of pearl mussels is at serious risk of extinction.
For the River Clun SAC, the NMP focuses on sources of phosphates, nitrogen and sediment. High levels of these in the SAC are threatening the pearl mussel population. The Environment Agency has been working with Natural England to develop this plan in consultation with groups such as the National Farmers’ Union, the Country Land and Business Association, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Severn Trent Water.
The NMP comprises of three parts:
- evidence base (finalised)
- options appraisal (finalised)
- action plan (now being developed)
The action plan sets out the steps to take to reduce phosphates, nitrogen and sediment in the River Clun. It will be open to public consultation over the next few months.
For further information, contact Steve Foster, project lead on firstname.lastname@example.org or by calling 03708 506 506 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).