West Cumbria Catchment Management Group15th August 2018

West Cumbria CMG Projects Pipeline

Updates required by Friday – email sent out from CSFP address to all CMG and CSFP members

The projects pipeline relies on being kept up to date.

Please ensure any changes to scope / status of projects and proposals are undertaken or new projects added.

Projects Pipeline Updates• We are now collating ALL catchment projects on the same google

spreadsheet for all of Cumbria – including those with non-flood drivers e.g. biodiversity or water quality (these had previously been on a separate spreadsheet).

• Changes have been made to the dropdowns on the spreadsheet to accommodate this.

• The pipeline of flood projects will still be reported to the CSFP on a quarterly basis and a filterable dropdown on the spreadsheet will distinguish which projects are on the flood projects pipeline.

• We will transfer all the current info we have on ‘other’ projects into this spreadsheet after the flood projects update due on Friday.

Filling in the Google spreadsheet

Before next reporting we will add in all the other projects

Everything that you have already shared with us, i.e. Habitat, water quality projects.

Will need updating & new projects added.

All projects updated in one place each quarter.

We will filter to report to CSFP.

Have sent round guidance.

Filtering

Project Driver

Flood risk reduction

Water quality improvement

Habitat restoration & species conservation

Education & Engagement

Water Level Management Board

Hopefully multiple benefits

Record this later in the spreadsheet.

Project funding/development.

Project Type

Only for flood risk reduction driver.

Record the ultimate aim not ‘Research’.

-Strengthening defences

-Infrastructure protection

-NFM/Upstream management

-Channel maintenance

-Community resilience

-Research/Monitoring

Comments on status/Likely year of completion

Key column to update!

Where the project is currently at.

What has happened since last update

Expected timescales for next step.

Expand on funding status.

Funding status

Full funding secured – The project has all the funds required to complete the project.

Part funding secured – The project has funds for the project to proceed but not sufficient to deliver the entire project. This includes projects that have money for appraisals/scoping but require money for delivery.

Confirmed but not secured – A likely funder has been identified and availability of funding has been confirmed but the project has not been guaranteed the funding.

Actively seeking funding – The lead organisation is identifying and applying for funding.

Not actively seeking funding – No organisation is currently applying or identifying funding.

RAG scoreRED - AMBER – GREEN

Regardless of what stage it is at.

Green means the project or appraisal is proceeding as expected.

Amber means there are some minor delays or issues.

Red means there are major delays or issues.

If there are issues, outline what they are in the ‘Comments on Status’ column above.

Embargoed

Yes or No

Can be added to public facing websites?

Several landowners in a catchment = Yes

Specific landowner must give consent

All projects will be presented to the CSFP board.

Last edited by…Who filled in the row and when?

Let’s us know if it has been updated this quarter

CSFP pipelineCompleted by hosts

Basically flood projects but some may have other drivers (i.e. big river restoration projects)

Can filter if you just want to see the CSFP projects then you can filter by this yes/no.

Working Group Updates• Flimby• Bootle / River Annas catchment• Lower Derwent• A66 Portinscale/Braithwaite area• River Keekle• Task & Finish Group – NFM handbook

• NFM Project updates

Flimby• On 27th July the EA held a workshop in Ghyll Mount, Penrith to discuss potential flood risk management measures for

Flimby with many partners in attendance or calling in. This outlined measures including drainage improvements, diversion channels, culvert upsizing/installing, natural flood management, trash screen improvements, channel maintenance, minor storage and overflow systems. We discussed each measure at length with partners and no ‘show-stoppers’ were seen at this stage meaning all measures will be taken forward for further assessment and modelling. Several further actions and investigations were noted in relation to certain measures to check risks as the project progresses (e.g. to discuss with Highways who were not able to attend the meeting as culverts and flow diversions could impact highways drainage). A map of these proposed measures is available for CMG use only – please ask Vikki if you would like a copy of this.

• The measures are now being modelled to check the flood risk management impact of each of them and assess them against Defra guidance for economic viability (e.g. is it cost-beneficial). This will take approximately 4-6 weeks to get initial results.

• A public consultation meeting showing the results of the above will be held on 14th September (3-7pm Sports & Social Club, Flimby)

• If the measures are then acceptable to the community and are still economically viable we will continue with detailed testing through the autumn-winter to determine a ‘Preferred Option’. The detailed testing will include ongoing liaison with relevant partners, stakeholders, landowners and community members.

• If still viable according to Defra guidance, the Preferred Option will then be shared widely with partners and community members at a drop-in event to agree that it is an Acceptable Preferred Option (due in late 2018/early 2019).

• Should it pass all of the above, design will be completed by Spring 2019 with construction aiming to start in Summer 2019. Completion would be due by Winter 2020/21.

Lead: EA - Sam Townend (sam.townend@environment-agency.gov.uk)

Bootle / River Annas UpdateLast working group meeting was April. Next TBC early September.

Landowner meeting in pub, hosted by the Farmer Network at the end of May.

13 people attended from 9 different farms and 7 signed up for a visit. WCRT – intro to NFM measures, CWT – peat restoration.

Currently scoping opportunities with landowners

Funding from Woodland Trust

Had confirmation of Slow the flow local levy money for scoping but delays with the MoU.

Total of £11k for scoping.

Four farm visits complete.

Two are downstream of the village, limited potential.

Two upstream and have huge potential.

Next Steps…

Pause due to busy farming calendar, visits complete over next few months.

Large area of common land. Using expertise of Farmer Network, or Commons Association.

Applying for delivery funding from Slow the Flow local levy.

Currently in discussions with the EA about how to fill in the application form.

Progress an application to HLF for wider work.

UpdateLast working group meeting was April. Next TBC early September.

Landowner meeting in pub, hosted by the Farmer Network at the end of May.

13 people attended from 9 different farms and 7 signed up for a visit. WCRT – intro to NFM measures, CWT – peat restoration.

Currently scoping opportunities with landowners

Funding from Woodland Trust

Had confirmation of Slow the flow local levy money for scoping but delays with the MoU.

Total of £11k for scoping.

Four farm visits complete.

Two are downstream of the village, limited potential.

Two upstream and have huge potential.

Next Steps…

Pause due to busy farming calendar, visits complete over next few months.

Large area of common land. Using expertise of Farmer Network, or Commons Association.

Applying for delivery funding from Slow the Flow local levy.

Currently in discussions with the EA about how to fill in the application form.

Progress an application to HLF for wider work.

Lower Derwent Lead: Allerdale Borough Council – Michael Heaslip

A66 Portinscale AreaLead: Highways England: Rachel Osborn

Keekle• The Keekle restoration project has been worked up ready for delivery, but it has been decided to postpone the first element

of works until 2019 due to delays with funding agreements. The fundamental aspect of the project- removing the degraded and failing plastic liner- hasn’t changed.

• All permissions, agreements and permits are in place to allow construction works

• WCRT will tender for a contractor to deliver the works over the winter

• The EA have allocated funds for delivering a ‘trial site’ of plastic removal- effectively working on a 150m section first, then up-scaling this to the full extent of the Keekle incorporating any lessons learnt (this is by its very nature an innovative and experimental project)

• There is the option to deliver full-scale removal of plastic in 2019, or stagger the works over two years (depends on funding)

• Further funding opportunities to deliver the full restoration are being explored:

• WCRT are working up a bid for ERDF funding which, if successful, would enable full restoration (40% match funding is required). Support from the West Cumbria CMG for this bid would be really appreciated.

• WCRT submitted a bid for a WEG (expect to hear results in September)

• WCRT are exploring a HLF application in the future, should ERDF and WEG prove unsuccessful

Lead: WCRT – Luke Bryant (luke@westcumbriariverstrust.org)

NFM handbook for farmers

Task & Finish groupLots of organisations with interest in the handbook

Had one meeting of a task & finish group

Agreed that it should be a catalogue of options for farmers with some detail on what was involved and lots of information on who to contact for guidance & funding.

Merged with FC version, incl. graphics

Rivers Trusts are listed as the first point of contact for general NFM enquires with contact details of other organisations.

Agreed that it should be a North-West wide version

Text is in a final edit but we are still in need of photos of local examples.

Hoping to finalise the draft and agree design and printing options in next few weeks

Ready to use as we begin to scope the catchment NFM projects.

Please contribute photos and case studies

Further comments welcome (in next two weeks).

Cocker and Glenderamackin NFM Projects Update

• We have finally got signed funding agreements in place for the NFM projects

• WCRT now have a Project Officer in place for the Glenderamackin NFM project (Clair Payne) and are in the process of recruiting for the Cocker Catchment

• A working group meeting for the Glenderamackin catchment will be set up shortly – please let Clair, Caitlin or myself know if you are interested in being part of the Working Group for this catchment / project

• Farm visits will be starting very soon

• WCRT are actively seekly further funding to support these projects:

• An outline bid for further funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation will be submitted shortly

• We have registered the project for ‘The Big Give’ (an online fundraising platform – Big Give week is in November). We are actively seeking £3750 of ‘pledges’ which if successful would be matched by a Big Give charity partner and in turn matched by donations in the Big Give week. The Big Give week coincides with an event we are holding at Cockermouth Castle whereby we will be seeking support for the project.

• WEG bids for both catchments were submitted

RiverlandsBecky Powell, National Trust

What is the Riverlands ambition?• Rivers and catchments that are healthy,

clean and rich in wildlife

• Rivers and catchments that are easily

accessed valued and loved for their

heritage and beauty

• Sustainable long term care for river

catchments that has a national impact

Riverlands

Riverlands in the Derwent

• The project will “go live” in September 2018

for 5 years with the aims of:

• Restoring a significant length of river and sub-

catchment

• Working with fishing syndicates

• Creating complex riparian habitat

• Restoration of upland peat habitats

• Establishing a payments for outcomes

scheme

• Community participation and engagement

• £1.2 million investment

• Investment in local people and

communities

• Investment in our habitats and precious

species

• Investment in our future

Riverlands

Participation in the Derwent

• Catchment wide participation &

engagement

• Working with communities living

alongside the river to connect them with

the river and with each other

• Working with schools groups

• Volunteer groups and apprenticeships

Next Steps:

• Recruitment

• Consultation

• Planning and restoration design

• Community events

• Family Volunteering

• Test and trial

Thank You

Crummock Weir Eel PassMichael Heaslip

River Basin Planning

Working Together Consultation

Contact: Jo Ratcliffe – Environment Agency

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River Basin planning provides a framework for managing the water environment.

RB management plans (RBMP) were produced by the EA for each river basin district in England. They include objectives and actions required to protect and improve the water environment.

Current NW RBMP were published in February 2016 and must be reviewed and updated by Dec 2021.

River Basin Planning

Give Us Your Views

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Working Together: June 2018 (closing December 2018) NOW LIVE

Starting in 2018 there will be three consultations that will help shape the updated plans.

Working Together offers the opportunity to give us your views on the work plan, timetable and process for how we will work together with stakeholders to review and update river basin management plans in 2021.

This consultation will be open for responses until 22nd December 2018

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This first consultation sets out the work programme, timetable and process for how we will work with you to review and update the current plans by the end of 2021.

We are seeking your views on:

how other plans and strategies affect, or are affected by, river basin management plans

the proposed timetable and content of the work programme to review and update the plans

whether all relevant stakeholders have been identified

how people can get involved in the review and update of the plans.

Working Together

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Working Together: June 2018 (closing December 2018) NOW LIVE

This consultation will be open for responses until 22nd December2018

Challenges and Choices: June 2019 (closing December 2019)

Challenges and choices asks for views on the significant water management issues and how these should be addressed.

This consultation will be open for responses in June 2019

Draft updated river basin management plans: June 2020 (closing December 2020)

The draft updated river basin management plans consultation asks for your views on the proposed long term objectives for the water environment and the measures to achieve them.

This consultation will be open for responses in June 2020

Timetable for Consultation

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Email out links to documents for your responses.

Preference is to respond online.

Collaborative response from the CMG?

Publish all of the consultation feedback in a summary document on the GOV.UK website and on the consultation website within 12 weeks of the end date.

Updates at the CMG.

What Next

Environment Programme MTP Refresh

Do you have any projects to add to the programme?

Contact: Jo Ratcliffe – Environment Agency

Environment Programme Medium Term Plan

The EP MTP is a 6 year rolling programme that sets out the activities we want to achieve and how much we think it will cost.

It is shaped by 2 key drivers:

• Water Framework Directive (& associated RBMPs)

• Delivery of core EA responsibilities

Funding Streams are

• Capital Water Environment Investment Fund (WEIF)

• Fisheries Licence Income: Fisheries Improvement Fund

• Water Quality Charge Funding (WQ charges)

• Water Resources Capital and Revenue Income (WR Capex and Revex)

River Basin Management Plan

Strategy:

What we want to

achieve & why its

important

Engagement &

governance

Who needs to be

involved

Delivery

mechanisms

How we deliver the

improvements

Local scale: CaBA National scale

Environment

Programme

Water

Company

AMP

Water

Environment

Grant

Regulation

and

legislation

Other … Countryside

Stewardship,

FCRM

Context of planning and delivery

MTP Refresh for 2019/20 & 2020/21

Aim of refresh:

• Demonstrate that MTP has been developed in partnership and based on evidence.

• Identify opportunities for funding integration.

• Value for money (£2 of partnership and external funding for every £1 invested)

• Integrated projects delivering multiple outcomes

• Develop “flag-ship” multi-year catchment wide projects.

• Take to Defra to confirm funding for next year.

What Next?

EP MTP to be refreshed by end of September

Talk / email Jo or WCRT if you have any projects you would like to submit to the Environment Programme MTP (asap) for the next 2 years (Also for 2021-2027)

Share the EP MTP with the group once complete

Remember projects need to be:Backed up by evidence

Follow the relevant funding rules.

Spending Review (2021-2027)

Any Questions?

DroughtWCRT have been collating data on which watercourses / sections of watercourses have dried up during the drought

Lots of data on flood impacts but less so with drought. Helps build up a picture on which watercourses are more or less resilient. Usually modified watercourses are those which are less resilient – more likely to dry up and also transport flood waters more rapidly.

If you or any of our colleagues / groups have any information regarding dry tributaries please send to Caitlin@westcumbriariverstrust.org

Ideally with a photo and grid ref. We already have quite a good picture for the Derwent catchment but lacking data in other areas.

Catchment PlanningOngoing work towards a Catchment plan

Needed for WEG – draft to comment on

Catchment Data

• Characteristics, current condition, key issues

• Catchment Data portal

Priority Areas• Areas with best scope for tackling multiple issues

Catchment Action Plans

• Strategic priority actions in each catchment

Project Pipeline

• Partnership projects to address identified actions

Catchment Data

• Characteristics, current condition, key issues

• Catchment Data portal

• WCRT website homepage ‘Click here for our Catchment Data Portal’ x 2

• Google ‘West Cumbria Catchment partnership.’

• Can bookmark the storymap

• Updates since last presented

Priority Areas• Areas with best scope for tackling multiple issues

• Catchment Plan tab on data portal• Identified areas with greatest potential for multiple benefits. • Where multiple organisations have an interest.• Guide project pipeline.• Illustrate strategic plan to funders.

1. NFM2. Water Quality3. Protected species conservation4. Habitat restoration & wider biodiversity

Water Quality Issues

• Yes or No (1 or 0)

• From WFD data – WQ failures inc. sediment, nutrients, sewage pollution, minewater pollution.

• Bathing water failures.

• From observation – WCRT walkovers and testing

Protected Species Conservation (Aquatic)

• Salmon & freshwater pearl mussels

• SAC failure or contributing to failure

• Yes or No (1 or 0)

River habitat restoration & wider biodiversity

• Modified waterbodies

• Potential for restoration

• From WFD data & walkovers

• Yes or No (1 or 0)

• Currently double counts with protected species

Overall Priority

• Scored 0 to 4 • Sum of potential to address: flooding,

poor aquatic habitat, protected species conservation and poor water quality.

Priority Areas• Areas with best scope for tackling multiple issues

• May reflect lack of data in some areas.• Doesn’t consider severity of issues• Double counts protected species & wider biodiversity

• How best to move forward on this?- How is this exercise most useful to the group? - Task & finish group?

Catchment Action Plans

• Strategic priority actions in each catchment

On ‘Catchment Plan’ tab of catchment data portal

Through ‘Catchment Partnerships’ page of WCRT website

Catchment Action Plans

• Strategic priority actions in each catchment

• What needs to happen (over arching actions)• What issues will this address?• Particular locations within the catchment• Are there projects already addressing this?

• Flood risk – to properties

• Flood risk - to infrastructure

• Biodiversity – Poor in-stream habitat

• Biodiversity – Poor habitat in wider catchment

• Biodiversity – Invasive non-native species

• Biodiversity – SAC failure (Decline in salmonids)

• Biodiversity – SAC failure (Decline in Freshwater pearl mussels)

• Water Quality – Diffuse water pollution from agriculture – farm infrastructure & advice

• Water Quality – Pollution from waste water – WWTW improvements, septic tank care

• Water Quality – Heavy metal pollution – mine water remediation

• Enjoyment – Lack of access to rivers/opportunities to enjoy and learn about rivers

• Evidence – Lack of information about the area

Catchment Action Plans

• Strategic priority actions in each catchment

• Catchment Data portal – Catchment Plan tab

• Strengthening flood defences• Community resilience to flooding• Natural Flood management• Managing water levels (WLMB)• River restoration• Removing barriers• Spawning habitat improvements• Enhancing agri-environments• Upland Peat restoration• Enhancing lowland raised bogs• Woodland creation & management

• INNS control• Biosecurity• Protecting freshwater pearl mussels• Waste water treatment works

improvements• Reducing mine water inputs• Tackling misconnections & Septic tank care• Education & Engagement• Walkover surveys• Electrofishing surveys• Research – specific issues

Catchment Action Plans

• Strategic priority actions in each catchment

Waver

Wampool

Ellen

Upper Derwent & Glenderamackin

Lower Derwent & Marron

Cocker

Ehen& Calder

Irt, Mite, Esk & Annas

Project Pipeline

• Partnership projects to address identified actions

• Google spreadsheet to update all projects quarterly.• All (non embargoed) projects shown on Catchment data portal

‘What’s happening tab’.• Need to add project PDFs.• All flood projects shown on CSFP website.• PDF version of spreadsheet to be emailed to partners.• Meeting notes for partnership working groups on our website.• Data repository also on our website.