5 key water takeaways from the 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan
TUESDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2023
Setting out actions that need to be taken to restore nature and tackle pollution, the Environmental Improvement Plan impacts businesses across all industries
Published on the GOV.UK website, the Environmental Improvement Plan itemises the steps needed in order to protect the planet, tackle the climate crisis, and increase the prosperity of the UK. It builds on both the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Environment Act 2021 in order to highlight what must be done to rectify damage to the environment and restore nature.
The EIP stipulates the aim for between 65 and 80% of landowners and farmers to adopt nature friendly farming on at least 10-15% of their land by 2030. We’re going to take a closer look at the plan, highlighting some of the key takeaways it puts in place to prioritise the UK environment’s welfare, with a particular focus on water protection.
Farming is the biggest contributor to environmental restoration
Through a combination of public and private schemes and regulation, farming will contribute 80-100% of the target to restore more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of protected areas by 2042.
This includes restoring peatland and creating biodiverse woodlands, and efforts will be targeted to ensure changes are carried out in the right place and with the right management. Water protection will play a huge role in these restoration efforts, including water purification, flood control, and groundwater recharge. By conserving water resources, the delicate balance that supports the existence of multiple species can be protected.
Businesses can be paid to help meet these goals through initiatives like the Countryside Stewardship, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Landscape Recovery.
Water quality and water demand are high priority
The EIP has also outlined a goal to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution from agriculture into the water environment. A recent report by the UN highlighted that between two and three billion people don’t have access to a safe water supply, and decisive action must be taken.
The plan outlines plans to improve water storage and management, bringing in changes to abstraction and water licensing. The Water Management grant has also been put in place to provide an incentive for businesses to improve their water sustainability.
Steps are being taken to reduce extinction risks
The EIP outlines activities to reduce the impact of invasive non-native species on sites, while also addressing pressures on what are often sensitive areas. These factors can contribute to poor water quality through nutrient or sediment run-off.
To fight against extinction risks, habitats must be created for relevant species, and to do this the plan determines that more trees are needed. By 2050, the plan aims for trees to cover 16.5% of England’s land area.
The England Woodland Cration Offer (EWCO) fights for the creation of woodland, and they’re offering financial incentives in exchange for support.
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has been extended
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme — which provides funding for farmers and other land managers working in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks to deliver projects across 4 themes: climates, people, place, and nature — has been extended to March 2025.
Supporting more than 1,800 projects so far, this programme is still open to all farmers and land managers within an AONB or National Park.
Net Zero is still very much on the table
Changes in farming practices are necessary in order to limit emissions, manage water consumption and help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets. However, the plan says, it’s important that these changes maintain agricultural productivity and profitability.
Incentives and grants are being offers to farmers who decarbonise agricultural emissions through adopting sustainable land management, new tech, and farming efficiency practices.
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