Tag: Environment Agency

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 23 April 2025.

A 42-year-old man was caught red-handed by Environment Agency officers when he attempted to use a cast net without permission on a canal in South Yorkshire.

At Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on 2 April 2025, Jamie Ellis, of South Drive, Middleton-on-the-Wolds, Yorkshire, admitted fishing using an unauthorised means. He was ordered to pay a total of £580 made up of a £200 fine, £300 costs and a victim’s surcharge of £80.

The use of cast nets requires permission from the Environment Agency. This is separate to a rod licence, and the offender did not have permission for a cast net in place.

It is only granted in limited circumstances due to it being an indiscriminate and damaging method which can have huge impacts on fish stocks and wildlife.

The court heard that on 13 January 2024, Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement officers were patrolling the Staniforth and Keadby Canal in Thorne. They saw the defendant throw a cast net into the water, pull it back out, and then place it on the ground.

The officers spoke to Ellis who admitted the net was his.

When interviewed under caution, the defendant claimed it was the first time he had used such a net and had not caught any fish. He also said he had not been aware that he needed permission to use it. He had a rod licence but this does not include the use of a cast net.

Kye Jerrom, a fisheries enforcement officer for the Environment Agency, said:

“We hope this case serves as a cautionary tale to anyone who is thinking of breaking the rules.

“Cast nets have the potential to cause huge impacts to fish stocks.

“This is due to the damaging nature of how they work and the numbers of fish they can snare.

“Our patrols are essential in preventing this type of fishing offence and to protect fish stocks for angling and nature.

“If people suspect illegal fishing they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 27 February 2025.

Work is underway to bolster natural flood defences along the west coast of Norfolk as part of their yearly renewal.

Beach recycling will see an expected 14,000 tonnes of sand and shingle will be moved around the beach from where it’s been deposited by the tidal movement of the sea.

The aggregate is taken north to Heacham and South Hunstanton to restore the shingle ridge along a 5km stretch of coastline.

The shingle ridge is a natural flood defence protecting more than 800 properties and 4,000 caravans. The recycling will be completed in time for ground nesting birds and tourists to arrive.

To move thousands of tonnes of material, the Environment Agency uses three 30-tonne dumper trucks, two bulldozers and an excavator.

The recycling follows a report into the shingle ridge which was published in Summer 2024. The Environment Agency is set to begin updating the 2015 Wash East Coast Management Strategy (WECMS) for Hunstanton to Wolferton Creek later this year. The updated strategy will further assess the latest monitoring data and reflect the findings of the Initial Assessment report.

Sadia Moeed, Area Director for the Environment Agency said:

“Beach recycling is an incredibly important part of the work we do on the Norfolk coast. It’s vital the shingle ridge is kept in good condition to help reduce the risk of flooding to the communities behind it.

“It’s also important that property owners continue to refrain from digging into the ridge and approach the us if they wish to carry out works within 16m of it. This will also help preserve the integrity of the ridge and its ability to perform as a natural flood defence.

“People should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by going to https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgencyAnglia on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”‎

Both Natural England and the RSPB are consulted on the beach recycling to preserve the coastline’s environmental importance. The work is funded by the East Wash Coastal Management Community Interest Company which raises funds from the local community, caravan park owners and landowners. Anglian Water and the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk also contribute to the project.

Cllr Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said:

“Restoring the shingle ridges between Hunstanton and Snettisham helps to protect people and wildlife living on the coast in west Norfolk.

“This important annual beach recycling programme, which is an effective means of undertaking important flood defence work to maintain the defences along the Snettisham to Hunstanton coastline, makes a real difference to the communities in the area.”

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 February 2025.

Boat-owner that caused Kingston Regatta incident charged more than £4,000. Video evidence shows disgraceful behaviour on the water.

An appalling incident of river rage on the River Thames at Kingston-upon-Thames in July 2024 has ended with £4,334.54 in fines, compensation and costs at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025.

Navigated boat dangerously

The perpetrator had navigated his boat dangerously and used abusive language at other river users. He was also found guilty of obstructing a boat race and interfering with the safety of persons gathered, failing to comply with a harbour master’s notice, and failing to register his boat for use on the Thames.

Scott Keen, of Morden, Surrey, steered his boat, Barney McGrew, along the Thames into a closed area of the river being used for Kingston Amateur Regatta, an event established in 1852, narrowly avoiding colliding with and swamping rowers.

Foul-mouth tirade

The court heard how Keen was advised by an umpire that the river ahead was closed and he should return to a navigation channel. He ignored the request and continued past the umpire, cutting across the racing line and narrowly missing one of the boats, which had to take last-minute evasive action to avoid a collision. His cruiser than caught the anchor rope of a race stake boat, before he stopped and launched a foul-mouthed tirade against participants, yelling that ‘they did not own the (expletive) water.’

His actions and the way he navigated his vessel endangered the safety of those present at the Regatta, included young scullers in rowing boats. An eyewitness captured the full extent of the drama on a mobile phone.

Environment Agency officers carried out a detailed investigation into the incident and discovered that Barney McGrew was also an unregistered vessel. Keen was invited to a voluntary interview but failed to attend. A summons was subsequently issued for his appearance at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025. Again, he failed to attend.

Incident ‘was a disgrace’

Maria Herlihy, operations manager at the Environment Agency and harbour master of the Thames, said:

“This incident was a disgrace. Keen showed no regard for the safety of other river users and could easily have caused a tragedy. Quite frankly, it was no surprise to discover that his boat was unregistered, and we are happy with the court result.

“We hope that this serves as a clear warning to all – anti-social and dangerous behaviour on our rivers will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action to deal with those who disregard the rules and regulations for boating on the River Thames.”

The magistrates fined Keen the maximum penalty of £1,000 for interfering with the boat race and navigating his boat without due care and attention. The court explained that it used its discretion to go outside the sentencing guidelines to deal with the matter robustly.

The court heard the incident was shocking in its totality, with clear criminality that endangered the safety of other people, including the young people involved in the regatta.

The court also complimented the Environment Agency’s investigation, and the evidence submitted.

Also charged in court, on the same day, for separate and unrelated incidents was Paul Campbell of West Molesey, who was found guilty in his absence of having not registered his boat, Enigma, for 2024 and failing to comply with directions to move his vessel from its location at West Molesey riverbank. He received a total of £2024.24 in fines, compensation and costs to be paid within 28 days.

Ms Herlihy added:

“As these prosecutions show, we have no hesitation in bringing offenders to court who avoid their obligations and responsibilities to lawful river users. Just one day in court has resulted in more than £6,000 of fines and compensation, which should serve as a major deterrent.”

Last year’s crackdown on unregistered vessels in the Thames resulted in 40 boaters having to pay a combined total of over £55,000 for their offences.

Renewal invitation letters for 2025 registrations on the River Thames were sent in November last year to everyone that registered their boat in 2024, and owners were encouraged to register early to ensure their boats were compliant by 1 January when the new season began.

The Environment Agency’s approach to non-registration on the Thames has changed – boat owners are given ample opportunity to register their boat. However, once a summons has been issued, it won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner subsequently pays their registration fee.

Similar to excise duty for road vehicles, boat registration fees allow the Environment Agency to manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England, keeping them open and safe for thousands of boaters to enjoy.

Boats can be registered by calling 03708 506 506 or going to River Thames: boat registration and application forms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Ends

• Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames.
• Boat registration on the Thames starts on 1 January every year. Any boats found on the water after that date, without having registered, may be liable to a fine.
• In mid-September 2024, during a river-wide census, Environment Agency officers recorded the locations of 10,890 boats on the river.
• Scott Keen, on Barney McGrew, was charged with:

1. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to comply with a harbour master’s notice, contrary to section 84 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £50.
2. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen navigated his vessel in a manner as would risk obstructing impeding or interfering with such boat race regatta or function or endangering the safety of persons assembling on the river or preventing or interfering with the maintenance of order thereon, contrary to byelaw 52 and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
3. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen used abusive, threatening and language towards officials and volunteers involved in the regatta and conducted himself in a threatening or offensive manner contrary to 63(a) and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £440.
4. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to navigate with care and caution and at such a speed and in such a manner as not to endanger the lives of others of cause injury to person or endanger the safety of or cause damage to other vessels or any moorings or to the banks of the Thames or other property, contrary to section 97 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
5. On 17 July 2024, at Riverside Walk, near Kingston-upon-Thames, being the owner or master of a vessel named Barney McGrew, Keen failed to register the vessel with the Environment Agency in accordance with article 4(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010, contrary to article 18(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010 – found guilty in absence and fined £220.

A total of £2,710 in fines, £275 costs, £265.54 compensation and a £1,084 victim surcharge. A grand total £4,334.53.

• Paul David Campbell on Enigma, was found guilty in absence of the following charges
• Not registering his vessel Enigma, contrary to article 4(1) and article 18(1) of the Inland Waterway Order 2010.
• Failure to adhere to an officer’s directions to move, byelaw 58, Thames Navigation and General Byelaws 1993.
• He received £440 in fines – £220 for each charge – £275 costs, £1,593.40 compensation and £176 victim surcharge. Total: £2,024.24

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 11 February 2025.

The Environment Agency has started construction of a £1million new fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The River Lark is a chalk stream and one of just over 200 in the world.

The aim of the work is to enable the free flow of native wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish. This will allow them to access habitat in the River Lark upstream of Mildenhall for spawning and foraging.

The project is part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme,  supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The partnership is hosted by Suffolk County Council and includes local councils, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, and many more.

Work will be carried out to remove two weirs that are currently impeding the fish and eels’ progress at Turf Lock. Once this work is done a new fish passage known as a rip rap rock ramp will be created using natural limestone boulders. A rip rap rock ramp provides shelter to the fish as they go between them. This work will take around three months to complete.

Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

Lou Mayer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency said:

It’s fantastic to see work beginning on this important nature recovery project, as part of the catchment-based approach.

Chalk streams are an incredibly valuable natural resource which the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and protect through working in partnership.

Turf Lock is one of three structures in Mildenhall that will need modification for fish passage. Through consultation with Mildenhall Town Council, West Suffolk Council, landowners and local residents we are hopeful that we can continue to work in partnership to improve the biodiversity of the land around the river as well.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

Suffolk County Council is proud to support excellent partnership projects such as this, that deliver meaningful, and lasting outcomes to protect and enhance Suffolk’s biodiversity through the restoration of our valuable chalk steam habitats.

Ian Shipp, West Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said:

We welcome this work which will benefit the river and support biodiversity in line with our own strategic priority for environmental resilience and thank all of those involved for their hard work in delivering such a complex scheme.

Whilst this work is carried out the footpath from the path adjacent to the works will be closed, on the North side of the River Lark, from the bridge at Mill Street, to the access track adjacent to the cricket field. An alternative route will be signposted.

Background

• The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.
• The Catchment based approach is about working together, through engaging people, groups and organisations from across society to help improve our precious water environments. The Environment Agency is a partner organisation of the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
• The River Lark’s Catchment Partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. The River Lark Catchment Partnership
• The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
• One of the ways to do that is by removing restrictions to migratory fish species and unlocking river habitat improvements further upstream as part of a holistic approach to nature recovery.

About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme

• The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Brecks.
• BFER is hosted by Suffolk County Council and has delivered a series of new and exciting community-based landscape and heritage conservation projects, focused on the Brecks’ fen edge and river corridors over a 5 year period (2020-2024). The partnership is made up of regional, national and local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and members of the community.
• The Scheme outputs have concentrated on the key Fen Edge and Freshwater habitat areas within the Brecks, with the aim of delivering real understanding of water-based heritage and conservation issues, and positive conservation changes on the ground. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

• Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme has been awarded £1.97 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Using money raised by the National Lottery players, the NHLF inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 10 January 2025.

The Environment Agency is continuing to urge people to remain vigilant following the recent flooding, as, while there is an improving picture, combined rainfall and snowmelt could see river flooding continue in some parts of the country.

Minor flooding along the River Trent is expected to continue on Friday, while new impacts are possible but not expected along rivers in parts of the Yorkshire and the Humber regions on Monday and Tuesday.

People in affected areas should follow advice from emergency services and take caution, particularly while travelling.

Environment Agency teams remain on the ground supporting the public and are still operating flood defences and basins to manage possible impacts.

As of 10:15 on Friday 10 January, there are 24 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 72 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, live across the country.

Heavy rainfall over the New Year also saw significant river flooding across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Yorkshire, with the highest river levels on record being reached on the Mersey in Stockport and South Manchester. In total, more than 77,000 properties have been protected from flooding and approximately 1,400 properties have flooded across England since New Year’s Eve.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Quorn in Leicestershire on Thursday afternoon to see first-hand the impact of recent flooding and meet with Environment Agency teams who are leading on the response.

Alongside Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy, he spoke with responders who have been out on the ground, operating flood defences, issuing flood warnings and supporting the community.

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the forecast and impacts on river levels. Its message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

My thoughts go out to all those homes, businesses and farms that have been flooded in recent days, including those in Leicestershire.

I pay tribute to the emergency services and first responders across the region for their tireless work around the clock to keep communities safe.

There is much more work needed to be done to protect homes, including those in Quorn. That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences, protecting homes and businesses across the country.

Daniel Bond, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Minor river flooding is expected to continue along the River Trent today, while combined rainfall and snowmelt means there is a very low likelihood of minor river flooding across parts of the Yorkshire and Humber region on Monday and into Tuesday.

Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected.

We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days, advise anyone travelling to be careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

People should search check my flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgency on X.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy has met with Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy to discuss the nation’s response to the recent flooding events. During the meeting, the Floods Minister was briefed on the current situation on the ground, and the response being led by the Environment Agency and the emergency services. Together, they discussed how to continue to support the collective efforts of the Environment Agency, emergency services, and local authorities in responding to flooding.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

I have met with the Environment Agency about the ongoing flooding and my sympathies go out to the people, businesses and communities impacted by the recent flooding across the country.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are doing to keep people safe. People must continue to follow their advice and sign up for flood warnings.

This Government is working at pace to accelerate the building of flood defences through our new Floods Resilience Taskforce and investing £2.4 billion, so we can continue to protect people and their homes.

Lessons learned from these floods will be fed directly into the new Floods Resilience Taskforce to speed up the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather.

The Taskforce brings together the Secretary of State and Minister Hardy with representatives from Defra, MHCLG, Home Office, Cabinet Office, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders and the National Farmers Union, among others.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 26 November 2024.

Timothy Burcham, a licensed waste operator, dumped waste at a Paignton mobile home park in revenge for not being paid for a job there. He now has to pay a fine and costs totalling over £3,000.

Burcham, aged 70, of Hollam Way, Kingsteignton, was the sole owner of Medway Waste Solutions and appeared before Newton Abbot magistrates on 21 November 2024 where he admitted a charge of depositing controlled waste at a site which had no environmental permit.

In a case brought by the Environment Agency, the court heard that in July 2023, Burcham removed waste from a caravan at Falcon Park Residential Home Park in Paignton. He invoiced the site owners, Falcon Park Ltd, nearly £6,000, but the company went into liquidation before paying.

Burcham contacted the new site owners, LT Management Services Ltd, who indicated they would try to help secure payment from the liquidators. They also contracted Burcham’s company with another job on site, paying around £14,900.

However, Burcham sent an email in November to LT Management Services Ltd’s director of operations, stating that if the outstanding debt was not paid he would return and deposit waste on site, as set out in his terms of service. A few days later, after sending harassing texts to a number of people working at the site demanding payment, he carried out his threat.

Waste was dumped on three separate occasions in car parks on the site. It was not the same waste that had been removed from site originally, but from other places including a house clearance, building waste, roof tiles confirmed by laboratory testing as containing asbestos, food waste, garden furniture, black sacks, a mattress, cardboard boxes and waste from Burcham’s own premises. The police were called after a resident confronted Burcham and videoed his actions.

When interviewed by the Environment Agency, Burcham admitted depositing waste on the site after his invoice was not paid and that it was not the waste he had originally removed. He said he had made a mistake on his invoices by setting out his right to redeposit waste if his fees were not paid.

Burcham further accepted that the waste he had deposited from the house clearance included sensitive personal information, including a birth certificate and banking details. However, he refused to accept that he had deposited bags of tiles containing asbestos, though there were photographs showing the bags among the waste he admitted to having dumped. In all, it cost the site owners nearly £2,800 to have all of the waste removed.

Magistrates fined Burcham £243 and ordered him to pay costs of £2,953.49 and a £97 victim surcharge.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

Despite being a licensed waste operator, Mr Burcham behaved in an unprofessional and unacceptable manner depositing waste illegally.

We hope he will now learn a lesson and work with proper regard for the environment, his customers and the waste industry.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 23 September 2024.

Partnership unites six organisations including: Action with Communities in Rural England; Association of Drainage Authorities; Country Land and Business Association; Environment Agency; National Farmers Union; and Natural England.

With rural communities increasingly on the frontline of extreme weather and the devastating impacts of flooding, a unique partnership has been launched today (23 September 2024) to support rural flood resilience and help farmers and communities adapt to a changing climate.

Climate change means that people, places and nature are facing more frequent and more severe storms and floods. Last winter saw one of England’s wettest periods since records began in 1836.

The Rural Flood Resilience Partnership has been established to improve collaboration, deepen understanding of vulnerabilities, and support rural communities and agricultural businesses in building their resilience to present and future flood risks and coastal erosion.

The Partnership unites organisations representing government agencies, trade associations, rural communities and businesses to tackle a joint challenge with joint solutions.

The six equal founding partners are: Action with Communities in Rural England; the Association of Drainage Authorities; Country Land and Business Association; the Environment Agency; the National Farmers Union; and Natural England.

Today, the Partnership publishes its work plan covering 2024 to 2026. Partners and a wide range of projects will work together to improve their evidence base and will draw on this to co-develop solutions.

The work plan sets out 21 actions supporting seven strategic outcomes focused on: developing the evidence base behind decision-making to increase resilience; ensuring communities, farmers and landowners have access to quality advice and support; and engaging rural communities in flood resilience.

James Blake, Chair of Trustees Action with Communities in Rural England, said:

It’s vital that everyone living and working in rural communities – not just those involved in land management and agriculture – have an opportunity to engage with and influence plans to manage the consequences of climate change.

As one of the founding members of this partnership, we look forward to drawing on the experience and reach of ACRE members to build the capacity of rural communities to come together and consider what can be done based on local circumstances in response to this most pressing global issue.

Robert Caudwell, Chair of the Association of Drainage Authorities, said:

Our climate is changing rapidly, and those living and working in rural parts of England are some of the most aware of, and most vulnerable to, those changes.

Listening to the voice of rural communities is essential if we are to build England’s resilience to flooding and drought in the future.

The best solutions can often be achieved when public authorities work together with local businesses and communities, combining their land and water management expertise with a deeper understanding of our local landscape and those impacted.

ADA is proud to play its part in this new Partnership in support of our members, England’s flood and water management authorities.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said:

The damage to rural land and businesses from flooding is localised but acute, and the frequency of these events will increase with climate change.

It is crucial to improve the resilience of rural businesses and communities to flooding. The CLA hopes this partnership will provide the evidence, awareness of risks, and access to practical advice that will allow them to improve their resilience.

This partnership will look for short and medium-term solutions whilst raising awareness of the rural-specific costs and challenges from flooding which our members face.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency, said:

Flooding presents specific challenges to those living and working in rural communities, from ruined crops to having road access cut off by floodwaters.

Since 2015, flooding and coastal change projects have been completed to protect more than 400,000 hectares of agricultural land better. This includes 280,000 hectares between 2015-2021, helping to avoid more than £500 million worth of economic damage to agricultural land production.

While the Environment Agency continues to work to strengthen rural flood resilience, no single organisation can tackle these challenges in isolation. This partnership provides the opportunity to accomplish more than any one organisation can manage alone.

The new Rural Flood Resilience Partnership will help farmers, land managers and rural communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change while retaining the vital role of managing land and producing sustainable food.

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said:

The NFU is pleased to be involved in this new Partnership and hope it will enable farmers and rural communities to strengthen the resilience of their homes and businesses by providing practical solutions based on tangible evidence to some of the challenges they face in the event of flooding.

It will also give rural communities the means to influence decision making, provide access to resources and support action on the ground, strengthening rural resilience to flooding in a changing climate.

Farmers are on the frontline of climate change – our biggest challenge. The extreme weather this brings is one of the main threats to UK food security and more severe storms, devastating floods, and increased periods of little or no rain are all impacting our ability to produce food.

The country has just experienced its wettest 18 months since records began in 1836 which left many thousands of acres of productive farmland under water. There are still many farm businesses in dire need of support, and we are awaiting details of how the Farming Recovery Fund can help those businesses recover from the impacts of the devastating flooding and saturated ground.

Natural England’s Greener Farming & Fisheries Director, Brad Tooze, said:

Natural England champions the power of nature and nature-based solutions to help tackle the joint climate and biodiversity emergencies.

NE welcomes the opportunity to join this partnership and add our science and evidence expertise and our local farm advice offer into the mix. Together we can support farmers and land managers to farm in more flood resilient ways – supporting communities to become more flood resilient and recovering nature at the same time.

From signing up to the Sustainable Farming Incentive to manage arable land for flood/drought resilience and water quality or by working with others to restore a river and floodplain in Landscape Recovery every farmer and land manager can make a difference.

The Partnership forms part of the wider work that all partners are undertaking on flood and coastal resilience.

All flood and coastal risk management schemes delivered by risk management authorities in England are carefully assessed to make sure they benefit the most people and property. Approximately 40% of all schemes and 45% of investment better protect properties in rural communities.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 September 2024.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a man for obstructing officers in the course of their duty at a site near Alfreton in Derbyshire.

At Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court in Derby on 13 September 2024, Darren Lee Fretwell, 58, of Golden Valley Caravan Park, Coach Road, Alfreton was fined £2,239. He was also ordered to pay costs of £11,272.

The case against the driver of a lorry which had failed to stop for officers was withdrawn.

Fretwell, who is the landowner of Golden Valley Equestrian Centre and Golden Valley Caravan and Camping Park, admitted 2 charges of obstruction.

The court was told that in August 2023 Environment Agency officers received information that waste was being tipped on land at Golden Valley Equestrian Centre, in Golden Valley near Alfreton.

On 11 August 2023, an unmarked 8-wheel tipper lorry that had deposited waste on site failed to stop when instructed by an Environment Agency officer.

Fretwell had told the driver not to stop and to drive past the officer.

During the same visit, Fretwell also refused to permit excavators which were present at Golden Valley Equestrian Centre to scrape back top layers of soil to examine what had been deposited beneath.

Also on 11 August, Fretwell refused to provide waste transfer notes relating to waste which had been brought onto site when requested by an Environment Agency officer.

On 16 August 2023, the Environment Agency officers returned to Golden Valley Equestrian Centre, at the invitation of Fretwell, to conduct a follow up inspection.

In the course of the visit, officers considered they needed to visit a neighbouring site also owned by Fretwell.  This site is known as Wallis Gorse, and is on Long Lane, Golden Valley.  After some resistance to this from Fretwell, the officers visited that site.

This is where Fretwell again obstructed officers. He refused to provide waste transfer notes or delivery tickets relating to piles of sand containing shredded tyre rubber which were present.

During visits on both 11 August and 16 August, Fretwell was extremely abusive and hostile towards the officers.  On the second visit on 16 August 2023, this behaviour was captured on body worn video, which was played in court.

In mitigation, Fretwell said that he recognised that his behaviour on the 2 dates in question was unacceptable.

Speaking after the hearing, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

This behaviour was totally unacceptable. Officers were carrying out their lawful duties to establish whether the site was acting in accordance with environmental regulations.

Hostile, abusive or obstructive behaviour such as that demonstrated in this case will not deter us from exercising our powers to protect the environment and communities and ensure a level playing field across the industries we regulate.

If people need to report an environmental incident, they should call our 24/7 hotline 0800 807060.

Members of the public can provide information 100% anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 55 111 or online at [www.crimestoppers-uk.org] (www.crimestoppers-uk.org)

The charges:

1. On 11 August 2023 at land at Golden Valley Equestrian Centre, Codnor Lane, Golden Valley, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4ES, Darren Lee FRETWELL intentionally obstructed an authorised person, namely Senior Environmental Crime Officer Iain REGAN, in the exercise or performance of his powers or duties contrary to section 110(1) and section 110(4)(b) of the Environment Act 1995.
2. On 16 August 2023 at land at Wallis’s Gorse, Amber Valley, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4ES, Darren Lee FRETWELL intentionally obstructed an authorised person, namely Senior Environmental Crime Officer Iain REGAN, in the exercise or performance of his powers or duties contrary to section 110(1) and section 110(4)(b) of the Environment Act 1995.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Environment Agency is the principal body in England with responsibility for the regulation of waste management facilities and the transportation of waste, the investigation of environmental crime and the prosecution of environmental offences.
2. The cost breakdown was as follows:

Fine of £932 for each offence of obstruction, totalling £1,866

Victim surcharge of £373 resulting in a total fine of £2,239

Ordered to pay Environment Agency costs of £11,272

Total fines and costs of £13,511

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 September 2024.

An £80,000 project to reduce flood risk and bring a boost to wildlife and habitat in West Yorkshire is complete.

The project at Chellow Dene Wetlands, near Bradford, took three months to complete and includes improvements to a wetland area to help slow the flow of water during heavy rain.

It’s been delivered by Aire Rivers Trust working together with the Environment Agency, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Britvic, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Rivers Trust, and Friends of Bradford’s Becks.

As part of the work, meanders have been created in Chellow Dene Beck to bypass a weir and create a more natural flow, allowing fish to move freely and creating better habitat for wildlife.

A leaky dam, made of natural materials, has been installed in the beck. This will temporarily slow the beck’s flow during periods of heavy rain, allowing more flood water to enter the plain and reducing flows downstream. This water will then gradually make its way back into the beck.

It’s expected the wetlands will hold approximately an extra 180 cubic metres of water.

Wildflowers complete the project

The project has been completed by the planting of wildflower seeds, which will produce a vibrant display of wetland wildflowers, attracting pollinators and other important wildlife.

The local Scout group has also planted Alder and Bird Cherry trees on site that will provide food and shelter to birds and insects.

Simon Watts, Operations Manager at the Aire Rivers Trust said:

Urban wetlands are vital spaces for nature in our cities. This project shows how they can bring multiple benefits to Bradford.

With the help of our funders, we’re contributing to reducing water pollution and flood risk and allowing nature to flourish on our doorsteps. It will be exciting to watch the site develop alongside our volunteers over the coming year.

Ineke Jackson, Project Manager for the Environment Agency, added:

This important project is helping to improve biodiversity and water quality and help naturally slow the flow of water, bringing a variety of improvements for people and wildlife.

Improving the wetlands and the wildlife they support will bring further benefits by connecting people with nature.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

Here in West Yorkshire, we know all too well the devastating impact that flooding can have on our communities.

That’s why we’re investing in our flooding hotspots to slow the flow of water, protect homes and businesses, and support habitats and wildlife.

We’re dedicated to working with our partners at the Environment Agency and the Aire Rivers Trust to build a greener, more secure West Yorkshire.

The press release issued by the the Environment Agency on 12 September 2024.

The improvements to New Road flood defence work in Kendal were made following feedback from the community and through consultation.

Planning permission has been granted for a revised design for flood defences at New Road in Kendal by Westmorland and Furness Planning Authority following the planning committee deferring the application in May.

Feedback from local residents and interest groups on the original plans approved in 2019 as well as comments through the common land consultation shaped further improvements made to the flood scheme design by the Environment Agency.

The new design includes changes to the open aspect and accessibility through the area for both the local community and visitors.

The approved design includes a safer common access arrangement for the fairground and for other activities at the location.

The New Road flood wall complements the stonework and finish of Gooseholme Bridge and the wider flood scheme throughout Kendal, creating and maintaining a safe community green space with access for all.

The planning decision means work can now start on this section of the Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme which will better protect more than 1,920 homes and 2,250 local businesses from the impact of flooding.

Changes made in response to feedback

Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Richard Knight said:

These changes to the original design have been made in response to the feedback from the community and interested parties.

We listened, we duly considered local people’s requests, and we believe the new design will enhance the town whilst providing better protection to homes and businesses against the very real threat of flooding.

Being granted planning permission for the New Road area heralds the start of the next part of the flood risk management scheme for Kendal.

It is important to get the scheme built as quickly as possible to protect the homes and businesses in this area of Kendal.