AERU AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH UNIT
 

2016-2017: Affinity Water: Payment for ecosystem services

Affinity Water are keen to see the implementation of an integrated approach to the control of metaldehyde in the catchments from which they abstract water, including the adoption of cultural controls and mitigation, as well product substitution. In this project, an integrated approach was established on the basis of scientific evidence on the efficacy of particular activities (drawing on the analysis produced the University of Hertfordshire) and be detailed in Metaldehyde Action Plans (MAPs). These MAPs were established on a farm-by-farm basis with support/engagement from Reading Agricultural Consultants (RAC) and the Loddon Farm Advice Project (LFAP - run through the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust). Participating farmers were then be eligible to receive a 'Clean Water Bonus' payment, which is based on the 'Payment for Ecosystem Services' (PES) approach, meaning that should pre-set targets be met for metaldehyde concentrations in the study catchment, then payments were made on a per hectare basis. The project was led by AECOM who coordinated the work and developed the PES model, with support from UH, Reading Agricultural Consultants and the Loddon Farm Advice Project.

Publications

  • AECOM, AERU, RAC & LFAP (2016). Payments for ecosystems services trial in the Loddon catchment. Phase 2 report for Affinity Water, prepared by AECOM, Agriculture and Environment Research Unit (AERU) at the University of Hertfordshire, Reading Agricultural Consultants (RAC) and the Loddon Farm Advice Project (LFAP).
  • AECOM, AERU, RAC & LFAP (2015). Payments for ecosystems services trial in the Loddon catchment. Phase 1 report for Affinity Water, prepared by AECOM, Agriculture and Environment Research Unit (AERU) at the University of Hertfordshire, Reading Agricultural Consultants (RAC) and the Loddon Farm Advice Project (LFAP).

Contact

Dr. Andy Green

Links

              

University of Hertfordshire
©
University of Hertfordshire, 2023.