Q: What does SCaMP mean?
A: SCaMP stands for Sustainable Catchment Management Programme. A catchment refers to the area of land contributing water to a water source. In our case, a source of water for public supply.
Q: Where is SCaMP happening?
A: Our regulators have allowed us to fund the programme in two out of our four estate areas; Bowland in Lancashire, and the Southern estate inluding Longdendale, the Goyt and parts of the Peak District.
Q: When is SCaMP happening?
A: The funding to carry out work for SCaMP will span the five year period 2005-2010, but the programme will continue beyond this.
Q: How will SCaMP happen?
A: We will work closely with our tenants, our partner the RSPB, Government Agencies etc to deliver sustainable whole farm plans. These plans detail the environmental restoration required to improve habitats, the farm operation required to sustain the habitat, and the infrastructure improvements needed to allow the system to work. The plans also give a view on the economic viability of the farm whilst operating under SCaMP. We will demonstrate the effectiveness of the plans by extensive monitoring of the impact on hydrology, water quality, woodland, and moorland habitat.
Q: Why is SCaMP happening?
A: Lots of SSSI land is in poor condition, partly attributed to overgrazing, upland drainage, inappropriate vegetation management and uncontrolled burning. It is thought this has contributed to the increase in raw water colour observed draining these areas. SCaMP aims to improve the situation by mitiagting these impacts and improving the habitat and water quality.
SCaMP will also help to support the local rural economy by maintaining sympathetic farming that sustains key habitats. These habitats support important and threatened species of flora and fauna.
Q: How does Scamp fit in with other environmental policies?
A: On a national scale, Scamp coincides with the Government's sustainable agenda for farming and the environment; it mirrors the Environment Agency's Catchment Sensitive Farming; it has similar aims and utilises DEFRA's agri-environment schemes. In terms of UU's policies, Scamp is inline with our Sustainable Development Policy.
If you have a question about SCaMP that isn't answered here, please contact us using the details below.
For more information contact :
SCaMP Enquiries
Phil Austin - SCaMP Manager
E:
scamp@uuplc.co.uk