SA 4 - Promote the appropriate storage and use of manures
- Code
- SA 4
- Supporting action
- Promote the appropriate storage and use of manures
- Description
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Manure is a valuable on-farm resource which can help to fertilise soils for farmland and enhance soil health when stored and used appropriately. This is particularly relevant in headwaters of rivers and streams, as incorrect storage and use can lead to far-reaching downstream impacts, such as water pollution.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Improving water quality Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming 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.