PM 15 - Implement nature-based solutions to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss
- Code
- PM 15
- Measure
- Implement nature-based solutions to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss
- Description
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Nature-based solutions have the benefit of providing habitat for wildlife as well as working with natural processes to also offer wider benefits such as reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss. This in turn will support improvements to water quality of the freshwater habitats and enhance natural flood management in Herefordshire. These could include planting riparian buffer zones, with scrub or trees, increasing field margins with semi-natural habitats, avoiding sowing of crops which can exacerbate run off in areas adjacent to watercourses, as well as the integration of nature-based solutions into wastewater treatment systems to provide freshwater habitats as well as utilising natural systems to reduce pollution events. These could include wetlands, reedbeds, swales, green roofs and bio-aided water filtration.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impact Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Supporting food provision
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Freshwater habitats are safeguarded
- Priority description
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Herefordshire has many important freshwater habitats such as Pearl lake, Bodenham Lake, Titley Pool, and the Rivers Wye and Clun, which are both Special Areas of Conservation. Ice age ponds are also a significant feature of the county’s landscape, formed by glacial activity, The largest of these is Pearl Lake in Shobdon. They offer a range of freshwater habitats and support many of Herefordshire’s rarest species. Herefordshire is at risk of flooding with 8% of the county classed within an active floodplain. All rivers, water and wetland habitats are under threat, in particular from pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage discharges, resulting in several catchments failing key targets on ecological condition and chemical thresholds. Climate change has also resulted in low flows and high temperatures threatening river health, in particular the River Wye, due to its size. Herefordshire’s freshwater habitats provide vital homes for a variety of wildlife and also provide important benefits to society, for example through flood alleviation and recreational benefits.