FLOOD MANAGEMENT, COMMUNITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A STRATEGY FOR THE SOMERSET LEVELS AND MOORS

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Somerset Levels and Moors have been designated a ‘special protection area’under the EU Habitats Directive and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Water management is important to their well being, but drainage to improve agricultural productivity has reduced habitat quality and biodiversity interest. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made towards halting and (in some areas) reversing the declining wetland flora and fauna. However, the UK Government's target of achieving favourable conservation status by 2010 is unlikely to be achieved without further change.This paper examines the changes which are needed to achieve sustainable agricultural flood‐management and conservation objectives in Somerset as a model for wetlands in England and Wales. Agricultural policy and, in particular, the lack of cross‐compliance and limited discretionary modulation, is failing marginal areas such as the Somerset Levels and Moors; also, farmers and the environment are losing out. In order to ensure that objectives are clear and options and constraints are understood, increased dialogue between stakeholders is essential.