Defra lift NVZs in Devon and Cumbria following court cases

A nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) designation covering more than 700sq km of land in Mid Devon has been removed following an appeal against Defra.

Devon-based farmer John Clapp successfully challenged an NVZ designation on his land earlier this year.

The ruling has since resulted in much broader changes, with an entire groundwater designation being withdrawn across the wider Mid-Devon area.

See also: Nature payments start to roll for farmers in Northern Ireland

Defra confirmed to Farmers Weekly that the G18 Mid Devon Groundwater NVZ designation has been removed.

It has published a revised interactive map online and advised farmers to check to see whether any changes may be relevant to them.

Agricultural consultancy firm Westcotts, which represented Mr Clapp during the appeal, says the change affects livestock farming businesses across a large area of Mid Devon.

However, it warns that many farmers are likely to be unaware that the designation has been removed.

Janice Radford, farm business consultant at Westcotts, said: “It is important that farmers in this area check the updated maps to see if they are still within a designated area, and understand what it means for their businesses.”

She added: “Farmers across Devon have invested heavily in improving nutrient management and reducing losses to watercourses since NVZs were introduced.

“This case was about making sure decisions are evidence-based and reflect what is actually happening on the ground.

“The tribunal was clear that the evidential basis for this designation was not sufficient and that finding has now had implications far beyond a single farm.”

Mr Clapp appealed against Defra after his land remained within the NVZ designation despite extensive efforts to reduce nitrate leaching during the past 16 years, such as reducing livestock numbers and cutting fertiliser use.

Mr Clapp said: “When we started this process, my concern was making sure the regulations affecting my own farm were based on sound evidence.

“I never imagined it would ultimately affect such a large area and so many other farming businesses.

“I hope it encourages a wider discussion about how these designations are reviewed and how all potential sources of nitrate pollution are assessed.”

Cumbria appeal

An NVZ has also reportedly been lifted in Cumbria following a success appeal by a landowner.

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) says NVZs continue to cover around 55% of agricultural land in England, although amendments have been made to designated areas in parts of Cumbria and Devon.

The TFA encourages farmers and land managers to check the updated Defra maps to determine whether any changes affect their holdings and compliance requirements.

Farming Rules for Water regulations will still apply to farm businesses even if they are no longer in an NVZ.

Defra is not expected to review the 2025-2028 NVZ designations in England and appeals for these designations have now closed.