Rethinking Water Planning

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Why is the project relevant to you?

The statutory water plans by the Environment Agency and water companies are crucial for managing and planning our water environments. The decisions made when managing land for agriculture or other uses is also key and very important. Solutions to water needs often involve changing land use, management practices, and water usage therefore it is important that these mechanisms work with those managing the countryside. Currently, the different water disciplines might be asking you to do different things which will make it hard for you to know the best approach to take. This project tested two ways to integrate the four main plans for a unified perspective.

Key messages for Land managers

The participatory systems mapping technique has revealed the complexity of the water system. This method is useful for working with stakeholders to understand complex systems and explain the broader impacts of landscape changes.

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Land managers have the chance to contribute to these plans, providing a balanced view on how feasible the options are and assessing their suitability for specific locations.

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It's highly recommended to consider water management catchment areas when planning any land use changes. Actions on your site and nearby can have positive effects further along the river catchments.

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We encourage you to work with your peers to ensure there is a shared understanding of how land managers have a role to plan in helping these statutory plans become deliverable. Which will ultimately lead to achieving environmental goals and improve efficiency.

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