HC Deb 29 June 1999 vol 334 cc154-5W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what actions he has taken in 1999 in respect of the protection of flood meadows. [87388]

Mr. Morley

The importance of flood meadows and the need for their protection is recognised in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for coastal and floodplain grazing marsh which encompasses flood meadows. Our English agri-environment schemes, including the ESA and Countryside Stewardship schemes, provide payments for farmers and land managers for the protection and enhancement of this habitat.

In the three years 1999–2000 to 2001–02, an additional £40 million will be available in England for improvements and enhancements to the agri-environment schemes. Flood meadow land, along with other priorities, will benefit from this extra funding.

To date, over 8,000 ha of land have entered into Countryside Stewardship and over 40,000 ha are under ESA agreement in wet grassland areas identified by English Nature, which includes flood meadow habitats. These areas are target habitats under both schemes and additional land will be coming under agreement this year.

On 25 May, I announced proposals to add payments under the Countryside Stewardship scheme for raising and maintaining high water levels in grassland, including flood meadows.

During 1999, MAFF has continued to make good progress with its Water Level Management Plan initiative which is also an important tool in the protection of flood meadows. It has set up a Water Level Management Plan Advisory Group to encourage production of plans for floodplain wetlands. One of the first tasks of the Group is to produce additional guidance on preparation of WLMPs to help operating authorities. This task is progressing well and it is hoped that the guidance will be published shortly.

In March 1999, MAFF and the operating authorities agreed a new interim target of completing WLMPs for all European Sites by the end of March 2000, and for all other SSS1s by the end of 2000.

In the last 12 months, MAFF has approved grant aid in relation to WLMPs for two Internal Drainage Boards. These are the Rivers Idle and Ryton IDB for refurbishment of Wiseton Pumping Station (total cost £71,000) and the Lower Yare Third IDB for pump replacement (total cost £22,000).