Catchment Steering Groups
One of the elements of the England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI) is the establishment of Catchment Steering Groups (CSGs).
The main function of CSGs is to concentrate expertise from the Natural England/Environment Agency partnership, key local stakeholders and farmers to shape catchment sensitive farming activity within the catchment in particular advice delivery, taking account of local circumstances.
The terms of reference for CSGs are:
- To champion ECSFDI within the catchment.
- To give advice on local diffuse water pollution from agriculture.
- To assist Catchment Sensitive Farming Officers (CSFOs).
- To inform catchment appraisals and delivery plans.
- To identify relevant solutions and delivery actions.
- To assist evaluation and monitoring of the ECSFDI.
- To ensure value for money for the ECSFDI.
Most CSGs are chaired by Natural England or Environment Agency team managers. However, in some cases an independent chair has been chosen as this was deemed the most effective arrangement locally due to experience or local knowledge for example.
The CSGs generally consist of members from the following organisations:
- Natural England representative
- Environment Agency representative
- The local Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer
- The local water company representative
- Champion farmers
- Farming organisations, i.e. NFU, CLA, LEAF etc., or organisations working with farmers, i.e. AIC, NAAC
- Nature conservation bodies, i.e. Rivers and Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, National Trust etc.
CSGs are currently meeting approximately three times a year.
For details of CSGs see:
- Catchment steering groups details (PDF 35 KB)
Page last modified:
16 April 2008
Page published 27 June 2002