Environment Agency
Achieving the goals of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) work is a huge task which requires the help and support of others. Being part of the Arun & Western Stream Partnership allows the Environment Agency to tap into expertise and seek out opportunities to improve the environment through partnership working and engaging with wonderful people who share a similar ambition. The partnership is also helping to create a vision which will enable future generations to enjoy an improved quality of life.
National Farmers Union (NFU)
The NFU welcomes the opportunity for a locally relevant, mutually agreed approach to managing the water environment; and we are keen to ensure that the approach to agricultural engagement is both objective and business relevant. We are keen to see initiatives that consider the efficient management of our resources in a manner that achieves favourable outcomes for both farming and the environment, and we represent the interests of farmers in our engagement with the catchment partnership. We believe that the activities of the partnership should co-ordinate with existing successful good advice and initiatives, such as Catchment Sensitive Farming, Farm Advice Service and Campaign for the Farmed Environment.
Natural England - Catchment Senstive Farming
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) is a joint project run by Defra, the Environment Agency and Natural England, the delivery body. CSF works with farmers to reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture through a programme of training and advice, both 1:1 and via group events, and capital grants to improve infrastructure. Training covers subjects such as soil husbandry, nutrient management and best practice pesticide handling. Capital grants can help fund new or improved infrastructure and includes items to separate clean and dirty water, yardworks, rainwater harvesting and biobeds and filters.
The role of the CSFO – Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer – is to engage with farmers, make them aware of the water quality in their area and the potential risks of pollution from their businesses and to offer the practical training and incentives mentioned above.
The CSF catchment is slightly different from the EA catchment in that it does not include the coastal plain. The main water quality issues thought to derive from agriculture are; high nitrates in the groundwater, especially on the Lower Greensand Arun & Western Streams aquifer, and sediment pollution in the western Rother affecting river ecology and surface water abstraction.
The RSPB
Works to save nature, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. It is the largest wildlife conservation organisation in Europe with over one million members. Wildlife and the environment face many threats. Our work focuses on the species and habitats that are in the greatest danger. People engagement is core to our mission.
The RSPB's work is driven by the passionate belief that:
- Wildlife enriches people's lives
- The health of bird populations is indicative of the health of the planet, on which the future of the human race depends
- We all have a responsibility to protect wildlife
South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park covers over 1600 square kilometres of England’s most valued lowland landscapes. It is recognised for its diverse and inspirational landscapes, internationally important wildlife, rich cultural heritage and lively market towns and villages. These dynamic landscapes will continue to evolve and we look forward to working with the organisations in the catchment partnership to manage this change and enhance our natural capital that people value and benefit from.
West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is the authority that governs the county of West Sussex and represents more than 807,000 people who live in West Sussex. It provides or secures a range of core public services for residents including education, transport, strategic planning, emergency services, social services, public safety and waste disposal. WSCC has a huge interest in ensuring healthy river environments in the county, as these provide massive benefits for the biodiversity, water resources, economy, recreation, landscape and flood risk management issues affecting our residents. We work with partner organisations to highlight the need for proper water and land management, improved biodiversity and reduced pollution. West Sussex County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority for the county and sets the management strategy for flooding from surface water, groundwater and smaller watercourses.
The Council is responsible for a number of key wildlife sites across the county and works in partnership with landowners and other organisations to manage our countryside and provide access to the public. Our Environment and Heritage team provides advice for the conservation of threatened priority species and habitats including commenting on planning applications across the county. The County Council works with a number of partners with an interest in the environment, such as the Sussex Local Nature Partnership, West Sussex Environment and Climate Change Board and the Arun & Rother Connections project.
West Sussex Growers Association
West Sussex Growers’ Association (WSGA) is pleased to represent the Horticultural Industry on the A&WS Partnership. The availability of large volumes of high quality water at all times is of paramount importance to the Horticultural Industry and WSGA members are very conscious of environmental and sustainability issues around water supply. The efficient management of water resources by all stakeholders is critical for the environment and increasingly for food and plant security.