New and proposed NVZ designations have now been announced by DEFRA for 2017-2020.  DEFRA intends to issue notices to the farmer via first class post.  These notices will be sent out at different times depending on your river basin district.  You have 28 days from notification to appeal the decision to designate land as an NVZ this applies to both current land under designation and new!  There are several proposed new NVZ areas which were not previously designated, including land in Lancashire, Staffordshire, South Devon and the Thames Valley.  The map shows the proposed new areas highlighted in dark blue.

A more detailed search can be carried out on the Environment Agency website. http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?topic=nvz&layerGroups=default&lang=_e&ep=map&scale=3&x=531500&y=181500#x=434663&y=171578&lg=1,10&scale=3

For those farmers that will be new to NVZ designations, Defra has introduced transitional arrangements so that Action Programme measures will not apply straight away.  Essentially none of the requirements will kick in until 1st January 2018 and some will not apply until the 31st July 2019.

If you want to appeal, then please contact Steph at stephemmerson@fcgagric.com or your local Farm Consultancy Office and we will be able to provide you with help and guidance.