Our Sustainable Catchment Management Programme (SCaMP) is now entering its second phase. The primary purpose of SCaMP2 is to protect raw water quality. SCaMP1 has already covered the Bowland and Southern area. SCaMP2 looks to cover the Northern area around Thirlmere and Haweswater and the Central area centred around the Bolton and Rivington areas.
The scope of work in SCaMP 2 will include the creation of clough woodland to provide a valuable habitat, reduce erosion, reduce overland flow and create buffer strips to exclude farming stock. Fencing off water courses also creates buffer strips. These stop stock from having direct access to water courses, reducing pathogen transfer risk and diffusing pollution.
Stock reductions will protect and enhance vulnerable habitats and reduce diffuse pollution and pathogen transfer risks. Stock management changes will also be taken into consideration as a means of reducing pollution risk.
Re-wetting of upland areas will take place in SCaMP2. By doing this, we’ll protect and enhance habitat, and reduce levels of suspended sediments and dissolved organic carbon. Potentially this will improve the carbon take up of the land. Other examples of SCaMP2 activities include farm facilities improvements and the protection of landscape character.