Local farmers, environmental experts and groups shared their experiences, insights and viewpoints at this year’s Rivers Conference
Following last year’s extremely successful inaugural Rivers Conference, Herefordshire Council hosted the event for the second time at the Shell Store in Hereford on Thursday 21 November. The aim of the conference is to build a shared understanding of the challenges of protecting our rivers, and to showcase the local initiatives taking place to address them.
Local arable farmers shared their knowledge and experience of crop production; outlining the actions they’ve taken to introduce and embed sustainable practices on their farms, and commitment to further solutions. The presentations covered topics including regenerative agriculture, soil health, nutrient capture and reducing nutrient load.
The presentations were followed by panel discussions on topics including soil testing and analysis, phosphate neutrality and mitigating risk. Kevin McCloud, who is a champion of wildlife and the natural environment and best known for presenting Channel 4s Grand Designs, chaired the afternoon panel discussion on soil and nutrients.
Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “The ecological health of our rivers and countryside is an essential part of the quality of life and wellbeing of Herefordshire’s residents; a healthy ecology also supports a healthy economy.
“The purpose of the conference is to create a common understanding of the challenges being faced in protecting the health of our local environment including our rivers, and the actions being taken to address them.
“There is a growing understanding in the wider farming community about the changes needed to ensure environmentally sustainable practices. Our farming communities include some real innovators and it was great to hear more about their experiences and successes.”
Further information on the Rivers Conference and reducing nutrients in the county’s rivers can be found on the council website: Reducing river nutrients – Herefordshire Council