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For
more information on the PINPOINT project, please visit www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/pinpoint
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PINPOINT
is a joint project between the Association of Rivers Trusts and the
England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI) to
provide information and advice through Rivers Trusts on reducing
diffuse water pollution from agriculture. ECSFDI is a partnership
project between Defra, Natural England and The Environment
Agency. PINPOINT builds on the existing ECSFDI programme and
extensive Rivers Trust work by widening the availability of advice and
incentives to reduce water pollution from agriculture. Through PINPOINT
you can access:
Background – what is DWPA and why are Rivers Trusts
ideally placed to address the problem?
DWPA is diffuse water pollution from agriculture. Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for about 60% of Nitrogen in UK waters and 75% of sediment in rivers (Defra).
Water
pollution, such as sewage and industrial effluent,
is normally easy to monitor as it generally arises
from a single source. Diffuse water pollution, however,
arises from many sources. Run off from transport,
urban activities, discharges from contaminated land,
nutrients, pesticides and sediment from farming
all contribute to diffuse pollution. Polluted water
affects us all, leading to increased water and sewerage
bills as pollutants have to be removed, less biodiversity
and fish in our rivers and less opportunity to enjoy
them.
Rivers Trusts are independent,
trusted organisations, enjoying core support from
many of those who make their living from and alongside
our waterways. Trusts already work closely with
farmers and landowners as part of their day to day
efforts to improve river catchments, meaning they
are ideally placed to incorporate advice and practical
help designing and implementing schemes to reduce
the amount of pollution that reaches watercourses
as a result of normal farming activity. In many
cases these schemes will be of benefit to the farmers
through reduced costs, improved farming operations
and, where an angling passports scheme is established,
additional income.
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Free Diffuse Water
Pollution from Agriculture information sheets
Providing
free and simple access to relevant advice is the cornerstone of
PINPOINT. To that end 45 2-page information sheets detailing common
dwpa problems, and examples of costed measures to address them, are
freely available on the ART website. Subjects covered include Organic
By-products, Farm infrastructure management, Soil management, Crop
establishment, vegetation to protect soils and nutrient management.
Browse and download the information sheets online at http://www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/pinpoint/info_sheets.html
Free Training Courses
Further details on the training courses are
available from http://www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/pinpoint/courses.html
PINPOINT is delivering national advisory
training, accredited by University of Plymouth, tools and advice materials
to Rivers Trusts staff to build on ECSFDI’s work by developing a
qualified advisory base in addition to those currently engaged by
ECSFDI. PINPOINT trained personnel will then advise farmers and land
managers on economically sound measures to reduce diffuse water
pollution from agriculture. The courses are offered free to
personnel drawn from Rivers Trusts and those completing the training
will be able to offer advice to land managers in river catchments
during their normal and project work. To find out more visit the
website
www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/pinpoint/courses.html
Pinpoint Training Courses are currently only available to Rivers Trust staff and volunteers.
Course Dates
26-30th
October 2009
Introductory training (3 places available please
contact archie@associationofriverstrists.org.uk
if you’d like to join the course.)
Free Angling Passport
start-up materials
Further details on setting up an Angling
Passport are available from http://www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk/pinpoint/angling_passports.html
Angling Passport schemes open up new waters
bringing the joy of the river and fishing to more people than ever
before. They enable enterprising fishermen to explore some of the most
beautiful and least fished pieces of water we have, and all for only a
few pounds. When you set up a scheme through the Rivers Trusts, or buy
tickets to go fishing, you know that the benefit will be going straight
back into improving the river.
If you would like to set up an Angling Passport
scheme using the free website template and other resources, or find out
more about where you can fish using a passport across the UK, visit
www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk.
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Whilst
the Association of Rivers Trusts has endeavoured to ensure the
accuracy of this guidance, it does not accept any liability
arising from its use. Whilst the production of this publication
was part-funded by The England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery
Initiative (ECSFDI), the content does not necessarily reflect the
agreed policy of Natural England, Environment Agency or Defra. ©
Association of Rivers Trusts 2009
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Association of Rivers
Trusts, Rain-Charm House, Kyl Cober Parc, Stoke Climsland,
Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8PH
T: +44 (0) 1579 372 142
E: info@associationofriverstrusts.org.uk
W: www.associationofriverstrusts.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1107144
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England
Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/water/csf/delivery-initiative.htm
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