Nutrient Neutrality was introduced by Natural England in March 2022 for four specific areas:
The aim of Nutrient Neutrality is to ensure that new developments do not increase phosphorus levels in already stressed catchments. If they do, developers must implement mitigation solutions.
Further information on each catchment, including the Natural England Evidence Packs, Catchment Maps, and individual catchment-specific calculators, can be located on the relevant catchment page.
River Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation
The River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is located in north-west Cumbria. Only parts of the SAC are affected by Nutrient Neutrality. The eastern part of the catchment adjoins the Eden catchment.
River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake : Lake District National Park
The River Eden Special Area of Conservation
The River Eden catchment Special Area of Conservation (SAC), located in north-east Cumbria, extends into parts of Durham, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire. It is the largest catchment affected by Nutrient Neutrality in Cumbria and is a priority site for Natural England's National Mitigation Scheme.
Esthwaite Water RAMSAR
The catchment is located between Lake Windermere and Coniston Water and is a protected RAMSAR (The Convention on Wetlands) site. It is the most productive of the larger lakes in the Lake District.
River Kent Special Area of Conservation
The River Kent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) catchment affected by Nutrient Neutrality is split into two parts; the first is to the east of Kendal, and the second to the northeast of Windermere.
Scroll through the four catchment maps for Nutrient Neutrality below.
