Background Several organisation have responsibilities in the operation of catchments, however resources are not always focused on understanding what is going on in the whole catchment area.  Operational interventions are often delivered in isolation without a joined up approach, with attention commonly focused on point sources of pollution (rather than…

Background There are considerable differences between the river catchments in the North West River Basin District. These differences include catchment geology, agricultural practices, urbanisation, population size, local government policies and much more. The differences affect catchment partnerships in different ways, and may affect their ability to deliver Water Framework Directive…

Background In Phases 1 and 2, considerable work has been undertaken on developing tools and data to aid river basin planning & decision making.  Although the use of these tools and data is increasing, its uptake is being limited by the capacity of the local Catchment Partnerships. Follow on support…

Background The UK policy requirement for development to achieve biodiversity net gain and ecological potential or status is currently not always met. At present, land use planning does not always result in the implementation of recommended measures for river ecological mitigation and enhancement. A range of studies (carried out by…

Background The watercourses of the NW River Basin District, and especially those in Greater Manchester, have been heavily modified since the start of the Industrial Revolution.  Many historic structures, created for now redundant industrial processes, present barriers to natural heritage protection and EU Water Framework Directive compliance. These issues are…