Table 1.1 Further information sources of information

Useful information   Link
Alternative Watering Systems Information on abstraction and pumping systems including videos of various systems in action on Scottish farms. www.farmingandwaterscotland.org
Constructed Farm Wetland design manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland Guidelines for design of Constructed Farm Wetlands. www.sepa.org.uk/media/131412/constructed-farm-wetlands-manual.pdf
Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (SSAFO). These regulations require that slurry produced around the steading has to be collected and contained. www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2003/531/contents/made

 

Controlled Activities Regulations General Binding Rules (CAR GBRs).  A practical guide A guide to the Controlled Activities Regulations which cover diffuse pollution, abstractions, impoundments and engineering authorisations. www.sepa.org.uk/media/34761/car_a_practical_guide.pdf
Diffuse Pollution Management Advisory Group (DPMAG) and the Rural Diffuse Pollution Plan for Scotland Partnership focusing on improving Scotland’s water environment by reducing rural diffuse pollution risks. www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/river-basin-management-planning/who-is-involved-with-rbmp/dpmag/
Diffuse Pollution Priority Catchments Web pages with information on the location and contact details of those involved in Diffuse Pollution Priority Catchments. www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/river-basin-management-planning/actions-to-deliver-rbmp/priority-catchments/
Farmers guide to using and sourcing digestate and compost A handy guide produced by NFUS and Zero Waste Scotland www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/Farmers_guidance_document.PDF
Farming and Water Scotland Information to help farmers and land managers protect and improve water quality www.farmingandwaterscotland.org

 

Farming and Water Scotland Know the Rules booklet Booklet summarizing the Diffuse Pollution General Binding rules (DP GBRs) as relevant to Agriculture. https://www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/know-the-rules/
Farming for a Better Climate Information on steps farmers can take to reduce losses of greenhouse gases to improve business efficiency. www.farmingforabetterclimate.org

 

FAS Farm Management Handbook Reference for farm business management. /www.fas.scot/publication/farm-management-handbook-2019-20/
How Green Can you be? A guide to green technologies and solutions for rural buildings and farm steadings www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/4413/how_green_can_you_be

 

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Initiative focused on helping farmers improve environmental and business performance through a network of demonstration farms. www.leafuk.org
MANNER NPK Computer programme used to predict the fertiliser nitrogen value of organic manure on a field specific basis. www.planet4farmers.co.uk/
Natural Flood Management; A Farmers Guide Provides information on natural flood management for landowners and farmers in Scotland. www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/file/4295/natural_land_management_a_farmers_guide
NetRegs Environmental guidance for all businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland www.netregs.org.uk/

 

NFU Scotland Provides political representation for Scottish farmers. www.nfus.org.uk
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) Action Programme Guidance Notes Guidance for farmers within NVZs.  Tables showing how to calculate nutrient requirements.  Includes NMax calculator. www.gov.scot/publications/nitrate-vulnerable-zones-guidance-for-farmers/
PEPFAA Code.  Prevention of environmental pollution from agricultural activities code of good practice. www.gov.scot/publications/prevention-environmental-pollution-agricultural-activity-guidance/
PLANET Scotland

 

Planning Land Applications of Nutrients for Efficiency and the Environment.  Free field level planning and record keeping software to predict fertiliser requirements and assist in compliance with NVZ rules. www.planet4farmers.co.uk
Ponds, pools and lochans Guidance on good practice in the management and creation of small water bodies in Scotland. www.sepa.org.uk/media/151336/ponds_pools_lochans.pdf

 

Priority Catchments Web pages with information on the location and contact details of those involved in Diffuse Pollution Priority Catchments. www.sepa.org.uk/environment/water/river-basin-management-planning/actions-to-deliver-rbmp/priority-catchments/
Rural Sustainable Drainage Systems: A practical design and build guide for Scotland’s farmers and landowners This Design and Build guide can be used by farmers and land managers to reduce diffuse pollution risks. www.crew.ac.uk/publication/rural-sustainable-drainage-systems-practical-design-and-build-guide-scotlands-farmers
SAC and FAS Technical notes Provides detailed information on a range of topics including soil specific P&K recommendations; optimising the application of bulky organic fertilisers; and fertiliser recommendations for grass and target crops. www.fas.scot/publication/technical-notes/
Slurry lagoon information Information from FAS slurry lagoon events carried out in 2019. www.fas.scot/slurry-lagoons

 

SAC Consulting Advisory and consultancy services to the agricultural sector. www.sruc.ac.uk/info/20005/sac_consulting

 

Scotland Rural Development Programme (2014-2020) Main vehicle for Government funding and support for farmers in Scotland. www.gov.scot/policies/agriculture-payments/scottish-rural-development-programme-srdp/
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) Part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which is co-funded by the EU and Scottish Government, providing information and resources aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of farms and crofts. www.fas.scot/

 

Contact the advice line on 0300 323 0161 or email advice@fas.scot

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Provides guidance on pollution prevention measures and enforces environmental legislation in Scotland. www.sepa.org.uk
Scottish Forestry Supports the delivery of the Scottish Government’s priorities for Scotland’s forests, through guidance, advice, incentives and regulations, and by advising Ministers on forestry policy. https://forestry.gov.scot/

 

Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) Government department responsible for legal and technical matters relating to agriculture and rural development. www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/AOcontacts/contacts
NatureScot

(Formerly Scottish Natural Heritage, SNH)

Scotland’s Nature Agency.  Works in partnership with landowners to maintain and preserve landscapes and ecosystems. www.nature.scot/

 

SEPA rainfall data SEPA provide a comprehensive guide to short- and longer-term rainfall data across Scotland. See https://apps.sepa.org.uk/rainfall; select a point from the map nearest your farm and display values.

 

SEPA Water Environment Fund Funding towards measures to restore Scotland’s catchments. www.sepa.org.uk/water/restoration_fund.aspx
Septic tanks (small scale sewage discharges) Information on septic tanks. www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/small-scale-sewage-discharges/

 

Valuing your Soils Booklet Suggests measures to enhance and protect agricultural soils in Scotland.  Contains information on identifying farm soil types. www.farmingandwaterscotland.org/soil-nutrients/valuing-your-soils/
VESS – Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure A copy of the VESS chart is also included within the Valuing Your Soils booklet (above). www.sruc.ac.uk/info/120625/visual_evaluation_of_soil_structure
Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (as amended) Practical Guide Often referred to as ‘The CAR Practical Guide’ this document provides an overview of the levels of authorization under the regulations including the General Binding Rules. www.sepa.org.uk/media/34761/car_a_practical_guide.pdf
Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 Amends previous regulations to allow lightly contaminated water from some areas of the farm steading (which would have previously been classed as slurry), to be treated through a Constructed Farm Wetland www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2008/54/pdfs/ssi_20080054_en.pdf

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