The Tamar PlanDeveloping a shared catchment vision

The Tamar Catchment: 1,800km2 and 300,000+ people

Phase 1: A shared strategic vision Gaining a shared understanding of the issues in the catchment, developing a toolbox of interventions & identifying multifunctional land.

Phase 2: Action planning for catchment changeWho is going to do deliver the interventions & how the funding streams will be integrated to ensure cost‐effective realisation of benefits 

The Tamar Plan Approach

Developing a shared strategic vision

Our ultimate goal is to create a catchment plan that is…

1. StrategicInterventions are delivered in a targeted and timely manner to achieve the greatest amount of benefit

2. IntegratedAdopts a variety of different measures tailored to each situation and ecosystem services objective

3. Costed and funded  The  cost of each intervention is determined and funding acquired from the most appropriate stakeholder

4. BalancedDelivers improvements, but not at the expense of food production or economic sustainability

TIMELINE

PAST FUTUREPRESENT

Timeline: the shared strategic vision & delivery action plans

The final Tamar Strategic Plan will need integrate existing delivery plans with a number of new delivery plans 

Tamar Strategic Vision

Other delivery plans?

Tamar Food Plan

Public Engagement Plan

PCC Green Infrastructure Plan

Catchment Sensitive Farming

Tamar Estuary Plan

Forestry Commission Strategic Plans

PR14 Catchment Management 

Healthy habitats for wildlife

Ecosystem Services

Recreational & cultural use

Provision of clean water

Regulation of river flows

Benefits

Biodiversity

Productivity

Low cost

Ecological health

High quality 

Safe

Flood prevention

High base flows

Ecosystem

Water

Land

Biota

Which ecosystem components play a key role..?

Developing a shared understanding

An ‘ecosystem services’ approach…

where..?

Who benefits -where are they..?

Developing a shared understanding

WFD

Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity

Productivity

Treatment cost

Eco. health

Aesthetics

Safety

Flood risk

Base flow

Impacts

Healthy habitats for wildlife

Recreational & cultural use

Provision of clean water

Regulation of river flows

Ecosystem

Water

Land

Biota

Risks/threatsPressure 1

Pressure 2

Pressure 3

Pressure 4PRACTICE

INNATE PHYSICAL CHARACTER

‘Markets’Potential for trade‐ Beneficiaries‐ Buyers‐ Society…?

do they or will they pay..?

An ‘ecosystem services’ approach…

Which ecosystem components play a key role..?

where..?

Who suffers -where are they..?

Risks/threatsPressure 1

Pressure 2

Pressure 3

Pressure 4PRACTICE

INNATE PHYSICAL CHARACTER

Developing a shared understanding

An ‘ecosystem services’ approach…

Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity

Productivity

Treatment cost

Eco. health

Aesthetics

Safety

Flood risk

Base flow

Impacts

Healthy habitats for wildlife

Recreational & cultural use

Provision of clean water

Regulation of river flows

Ecosystem

Water

Land

Biota

‘Markets’Potential for trade‐ Beneficiaries‐ Buyers‐ Society…?

Where do these occur…and what is their impact

How can we reduce these risks…?

Where can we get the most benefits..?

Are there key locations vital for service

provision..?Can we predict or detect

improvements flowing back through the system..?who

pays..?

Can work to improve one service also improve others..?

- Same land or same activity

do they or will they pay..?

Which ecosystem components play a key role..?

where..?

Who suffers -where are they..?

• Relevant interest groups identified to ensure inclusiveness

• 7 working groups established (met 3 times during year)

• Over 60 workgroup representatives (plus many others involved outside meetings)

• Every attempt made to make use of (link) existing information/plans

• Other activities arranged e.g. farm walk, presentation to Chamber of Commerce 

EcologicalNetworksGroup

CarbonManagement 

Group

RecreationActivitiesGroup

WaterQualityGroup

WaterResources

Group

Engagement& FoodGroup

PointPollutionGroup

Developing a shared understanding

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Developing a shared understanding

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Where is the ecosystem service experienced (who benefits/suffers?)

What features in the landscape regulate/degrade the service?• ‘Environmental infrastructure’ • Risks & pressures

To what extent is the service currently being delivered/degraded?

What can be done to enhance the service?

Which areas should be targeted for measures that enhance provision?• Where is the greatest cost‐benefit (‘bang‐for‐buck’) to be achieved?• Priority – suitability ‐ opportunity

What work is already underway – how is it funded?

Could current outcomes be improved if measures were more integrated /targeted?

What new sources of funding be developed?

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Water Quality

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Local ecological impacts

Distal ecological, social & economic impacts

Water Quality

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Local ecological impacts

Distal ecological, social & economic impacts

Raw drinking water impacts

WFD: Article 7“…avoid deterioration in [water] quality to reduce the level of purification treatment 

required in the production of drinking water.”

Water Quality – point sources

The contribution of point sources of pollution

Variety of different pollutants

Many different sources

Varying contributions in different locations

Water Quality – point sources

Point sources of pollution – a lot has already been done….

Clean SweepClean Sweep is South West Water's £2 billion project to transform the South West Region’s bathing waters and sewerage network. 

£63 million in Plymouth 

The Plymouth Urban Diffuse Pollution ProjectEA, PCC and SWW working to improve water quality at Plymouth Hoe by identifying and fixing point sources.

Water Quality – diffuse sources

Contribution of pollution from diffuse sources in the catchment

Nutrients 

• Phosphorus compounds• Nitrates/Nitrites• Ammonia compounds

Physico‐chemistry

• Dissolved oxygen• Colour• Turbidity / suspended solids• Smell & taste

Microbiology

• Faecal indicator organisms (FIO)• Other bacteria• Cryptosporidium spp.• Algae

Pesticides

• Acid herbicides• Neutral herbicides• Insecticides

Water Quality – diffuse sources

A well established toolbox of measures to reduce rural diffuse pollution

Water Quality – diffuse sources

A well established toolbox of measures to reduce rural diffuse pollution

Water Quality – diffuse sources

Identifying land most likely to having an impact on water quality:  opportunity

Soil hydrology & condition• Run‐off risk• Leaching risk

Topography (i.e. slope)

Hydrological connectivity • Proximity to watercourse• Flood plain• Surface & sub‐surface flow accumulation

Land cover • Natural habitats (wetland, woodland or peatland)• Farmed land (tillage or permanent grass)

Water Quality – diffuse sources

Identifying land most likely to having an impact on water quality:  opportunity

Soil hydrology & condition• Run‐off risk• Leaching risk

Topography (i.e. slope)

Hydrological connectivity • Proximity to watercourse• Flood plain• Surface & sub‐surface flow accumulation

Land cover • Natural habitats (wetland, woodland or peatland)• Farmed land (tillage or permanent grass)

Water Quality – diffuse sources

Current funding & activities specifically working to improve water quality –

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Base‐flows – during periods of low rainfall• Drinking water• Ecological health• Dilution of pollution• Hydropower

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Base‐flows – during periods of low rainfall• Drinking water• Ecological health• Dilution of pollution• Hydropower

1. Climate Change

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Base‐flows – during periods of low rainfall• Drinking water• Ecological health• Dilution of pollution• Hydropower

1. Climate Change

2. Population Growth

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Measures to enhance & sustain base‐flows (land‐based approaches) 

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Targeting measures to enhance & sustain base‐flows in rivers & streams

Wetland creation suitability mapping

• Soil hydrology (+ physico‐chemistry)

• Hydrological regime

• Exclusion areas e.g. high grade farm land

Tamar 2000 Wetland Research Project

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Targeting measures to enhance & sustain base‐flows in rivers & streams

Wetland creation suitability mapping

• Soil hydrology (+ physico‐chemistry)

• Hydrological regime

• Exclusion areas e.g. high grade farm land

Wetland Vision Map

Water Regulation (base‐flows)

Targeting measures to enhance & sustain base‐flows in rivers & streams

Wetland creation suitability mapping

• Soil hydrology (+ physico‐chemistry)

• Hydrological regime

• Exclusion areas e.g. high grade farm land

Wetland Vision Map

Water Regulation (high flows)

High flows – flood risk management • Damage to property• Economic impacts

Is there a problem…where is it experienced…?

Policy 1Areas of little or no flood risk where we willcontinue to monitor and advise

Policy 4Areas of low, moderate or high flood risk wherewe are already managing the flood risk effectivelybut where we may need to take further actions tokeep pace with climate change

Policy 6Areas of low to moderate flood risk where we willtake action with others to store water or managerun‐off in locations that provide overall flood riskreduction or environmental benefits

Water Regulation (high flows)

Targeting land‐based flood risk management

Large body of evidence at small‐scale• Demonstrable benefits• High cost‐benefit ratio

Water Regulation (high flows)

Targeting land‐based flood risk management

Large body of evidence at small‐scale• Demonstrable benefits• High cost‐benefit ratio

Water Regulation (high flows)

Targeting land‐based flood risk management

Large body of evidence at small‐scale• Demonstrable benefits• High cost‐benefit ratio

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Spaces for wildlife

Current provision of habitats & functional ecological networks

Spaces for wildlife

Current provision of habitats & functional ecological networks

Woodland Inventory (FC)

Ancient Woodland Inventory

NE Habitat Inventories (LRC data?)

Culm Inventory (?)

Spaces for wildlife

Measures to enhance the provision of ecological networks

Wetland restoration & creation

Woodland creation

Peatland restoration

Habitat creation on farmland

Where…?• Greatest chance of success i.e. functional network

• Suitable land for the habitati.e. high quality outcome

• Strategic Nature Areas

Spaces for wildlife

Measures to enhance the provision of ecological networks

Wetland restoration & creation

Woodland creation

Peatland restoration

Habitat creation on farmland

Where…?• Greatest chance of success i.e. functional network

• Suitable land for the habitati.e. high quality outcome

• Strategic Nature Areas

Wetland suitability map

+Proximity to 

existing habitat

Spaces for wildlife

Measures to enhance the provision of ecological networks

Wetland restoration & creation

Woodland creation

Peatland restoration

Habitat creation on farmland

Where…?• Greatest chance of success i.e. functional network

• Suitable land for the habitati.e. high quality outcome

• Strategic Nature Areas

Wetland suitability map

+Proximity to 

existing habitat

Spaces for wildlife

Measures to enhance the provision of ecological networks

Wetland restoration & creation

Woodland creation

Peatland restoration

Habitat creation on farmland

Where…?• Greatest chance of success i.e. functional network

• Suitable land for the habitati.e. high quality outcome

• Strategic Nature Areas

Wetland suitability map

+Proximity to 

existing habitat

Spaces for wildlife

Measures to enhance the provision of ecological networks

Wetland restoration & creation

Woodland creation

Peatland restoration

Habitat creation on farmland

Where…?• Greatest chance of success i.e. functional network

• Suitable land for the habitati.e. high quality outcome

• Strategic Nature Areas

Wetland suitability map

+Proximity to 

existing habitat

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration can be increased in a number of ways –

Changes in land management practices• Reduced tillage• Increased soil organic matter• Reduced use of fertilisers

Landuse change• tillage – permanent grassland – woodland 

Water table management (re‐wetting land)

Where…?• Land with high sequestration potential• Cost‐effectiveness for the farm business• No increase in emission of other GHGs

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration can be increased in a number of ways –

Changes in land management practices• Reduced tillage• Increased soil organic matter• Reduced use of fertilisers

Landuse change• tillage – permanent grassland – woodland 

Water table management (re‐wetting land)

Where…?• Land with high sequestration potential• Cost‐effectiveness for the farm business• No increase in emission of other GHGs

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration can be increased in a number of ways –

Changes in land management practices• Reduced tillage• Increased soil organic matter• Reduced use of fertilisers

Landuse change• tillage – permanent grassland – woodland 

Water table management (re‐wetting land)

Where…?• Land with high sequestration potential• Cost‐effectiveness for the farm business• No increase in emission of other GHGs

Changes in land management practices• Reduced tillage• Increased soil organic matter• Reduced use of fertilisers

Landuse change• tillage – permanent grassland – woodland 

Water table management (re‐wetting land)

Where…?• Land with high sequestration potential• Cost‐effectiveness for the farm business• No increase in emission of other GHGs

Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration can be increased in a number of ways –

Developing a shared understanding

The Ecosystem Services Working Groups (1 – 5)

Water Quality:The provision of clean water into the aquatic environment for the benefit of river ecosystem health, recreational safety and drinking water supply.

Water Quantity:The regulation of water movement in the landscape to ensure that base‐flows are maintained and to reduce the risk of flooding.

Space for Wildlife:The protection and enhancement of functional networks of habitat to support healthy wildlife populations and biodiversity at a landscape scale.

Carbon Sequestration:The regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through land management.

Recreation, Leisure & Culture:The provision of accessible spaces and resources for recreation, leisure and cultural activities and to increase health and wellbeing.

A participatory stakeholder‐led approach… 

Recreational Resources

There are 2 types of recreation:‐

Attractions or location‐specific resources that offer specific activities or a specialty or high quality experience for a particular interest group.

Publically accessible spaces where people spend their casual or informal recreation and leisure time.

Image: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Image: Ross Hoddinott

Recreational Resources

Where are recreational opportunities provided now?

Recreation in the Tamar• Boating & sailing

• Canoeing (rivers, estuary & sea)

• Angling (coarse/game/sea)

• Rowing (gig rowing, rowing boats etc.)

• Surfing, wind-surfing & kite surfing

• Water-skiing (lakes, estuary & sea)

• Swimming (freshwater & sea)

• Diving & snorkelling

• Coasteering & canyoning

• Shooting

• Ornithology & natural history

• Walking, hiking, rambling & running

• Caravanning & camping

• Orienteering & geocaching

• Cycling

• Motorsports (motorbikes / 4x4)

• Equestrian

• Heritage, parks & gardens

• Leisure & casual recreation

• Photography, art & spiritual activities

• Voluntary work & conservation

• Local community activities

• Other sports (golf, cricket, football etc.)

Recreational Resources

Where are the priority areas for creating new recreational opportunities

Improve existing ‘green’ infrastructure

Increase access to existing greenspaces

Increase connectivity 

Increase provision to address deficiency or meet new demand.

Recreational Resources

Where are the priority areas for creating new recreational opportunities

Improve existing ‘green’ infrastructure

Increase access to existing greenspaces

Increase connectivity 

Increase provision to address deficiency or meet new demand.

Recreational Resources

Where are the priority areas for creating new recreational opportunities

Improve existing ‘green’ infrastructure

Increase access to existing greenspaces

Increase connectivity 

Increase provision to address deficiency or meet new demand.

Tourism and Rural Access in Cornwall – Kensey Trail

Developing a shared vision

Identifying multi‐functional ES areas…

Risks/threatsPressure 1

Pressure 2

Pressure 3

Pressure 4PRACTICE

INNATE PHYSICAL CHARACTER

Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity

Productivity

Treatment cost

Eco. health

Aesthetics

Safety

Flood risk

Base flow

Impacts

Healthy habitats for wildlife

Recreational & cultural use

Provision of clean water

Regulation of river flows

Ecosystem

Water

Land

Biota

‘Markets’Potential for trade‐ Beneficiaries‐ Buyers‐ Society…?

Where do these occur…and what is their impact

How can we reduce these risks…?

Where can we get the most benefits..?

Are there key locations vital for service

provision..?Can we predict or detect

improvements flowing back through the system..?who

pays..?

Can work to improve one service also improve others..?

- Same land or same activity

do they or will they pay..?

Which ecosystem components play a key role..?

where..?

Who suffers -where are they..?

Multifunctional ES Areas

Several key themes emerge…

Risk (innate or practice‐derived)

Suitability/feasibility for intervention

Key strategic areas – beneficiaries

• Where are they..?

• What are their needs..?

Optimal cost‐beneficial targeting of interventions

Delivering measures in multifunctional areas could enhance delivery of multiple 

ecosystem services 

Multifunctional priority areas

Delivery Framework

Toolbox of interventions

Habitat creation

Landuse change

Farm infrastructure

Best practice advice

Integrated vision for the catchment