Welcome to FWi's round-up of the legislation associated with Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

Farmers located within NVZs are required to adhere to an set of measures to reduce the amount of nitrate lost from their land to watercourses and groundwater supplies.

Below are links to useful sources of information (last updated 1 February 2007):

ENGLAND:

Main DEFRA NVZ homepage, featuring information on why NVZs were set up, where they are and what being in one means for farmers. You can also download various publications, including the NVZ manure planning booklet and Farm Waste Grant Scheme

Detailed and general maps of all designated NVZs in England & Wales. Search for a map by postcode, place name, grid reference or IACS number.

Environment Agency advice on NVZs for farmers in England & Wales. Useful summary of the requirements of the Action Programme Rules.

SCOTLAND:

Map of Scottish NVZs - download as a pdf

Scottish Executive guidance for farmers in NVZs, including booklets on fertiliser and manure plans and nitrogen recommendation tables

Environment Agency overview of NVZ rules for farmers in Scotland

WALES: 

Environment Agency advice for farmers in England & Wales - see England above. Useful summary of the requirements of the Action Programme Rules.

Welsh Assembly guidance on NVZ rules, including links to consultations/ responses. Limited amount of information, as buk of information is on DEFRA website.

NORTHERN IRELAND: 

Environment Agency overview of NVZ rules in Northern Ireland, with an introduction to closed periods, nitrogen limits and the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme.

NI government overview of the Nitrates Directive. Description of how the directive applies to NI, with links to further information.

Organic manure nitrogen loading calculator (registration required). Estimate Organic Manure Nitrogen loading based on the total land area farmed and nitrogen produced from livestock and/ or imports/ exports of slurry/ manure.

Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development overview of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, with downloadable booklets. Note: the scheme closed to applications in March 2005

IRELAND:

Irish Department of Agriculture nitrates information, including cross compliance inspection forms, good agricultural practice advice and latest news.

Water quality information from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Links to new nitrates legislation, nutrient management and a policy overview

Nutrient management planning and codes of practice for fertilisers and animal manures