Broadland Agricultural Water Abstractors Group
Chairman: Anthony Seaman
Vice Chairman: William Sands
Treasurer: Nick Deane
Email Communication: Christopher Deane (NFU)
Website Manager: Tim Papworth
Committee: Andrew Alston, Anthony Seaman, James Paterson, Jamie Lockhart, Tim Place, Nick Deane, Paul Hammett, Tim Papworth, William Sands, Tony Freezer, Steve Lawley, Jamie Harrison, Tony Bambridge, John Newton.
Advisor: Agricultural Water Management
BAWAG is an association of 170 agricultural and horticultural
abstractors based around Norfolk Broads in East Anglia. BAWAG was formed
in 1997 in response to the 1994 Habitat Directive. BAWAG represents
abstractors interests in North Norfolk CAMS and Broadland CAMS.
BAWAG acts as a forum for discussion of sustainable agricultural
water management, it encourages its members to both have a greater
involvement in water policy and to strive for wise and sustainable use
of water resources.
NEWS
UK Irrigation Association spring conference
Thursday 5 March 2020 at Orton Hall in Peterborough
Can agriculture get a fair share of our nation’s water resources?
Or are we seeing the gradual demise of irrigated farming?
Regulatory changes continue at pace for agricultural abstractors.
Defra and the Environment Agency continue to seek ways to improve
future water resources management for all but the question we continue to ask is,
given the profound expected changes — Can agriculture expect a fair share of the national resource?
How will agriculture fit into the new National Water Framework to be published in January 2020?
How does abstraction fit within the new catchment management strategy as managed by the Rivers Trust?
Irrigated agriculture still does not have a strategy - do we need one?
Droughts are never far away. Should we stop blaming climate change? Asks Mike Muller (guest speaker)
Are we eating ourselves out of water? Asks Tim Hess
A full programme of top-class speakers
Stuart Roberts NFU (TBC), Paul Hickey Environment Agency, Barry Bendall The Rivers Trust,
Lindsay Hargreaves Farmer, Jamie Hannaford CEH, Jerry Knox and Tim Hess Cranfield University
International guest: Mike Muller from South Africa
For full programme and registration go to www.ukia.org
Opportunities for exhibitors call Ruth 01427 717627
[14/01/20]
The BAWAG committee had a meeting on the 7/6/18 and have decided to raise some more funds to help the licence holders in the Ant, Bure and Thurne Catchments.
These time limited licence holders have had their licences extended until September'18. The funds collected may be needed to fund a potential Appeal process as it effects so many businesses the committee feel this is the right thing to do.
In the meantime the committee will be sending out a questionnaire to all members to update the records and comply with data protection guidelines. If you are one of the 45 licence holders renewing your licence in Ant, Bure or Thune catchment please respond to this questionnaire quickly. Thanks.
[08/06/18]
Spixworth Beck
"Over-abstracted" in Broadland CAMS
The 15 farmers concerned must start being responsible for the water quality of the river
The group have employed William Coulet, a Dutch student, to look at
all aspects of water resources in the catchment. Copies of Spixworth
Beck Abstractors are available price £25 plus VAT. Farmers and
abstractors are not causing the problems in the catchment. The steady
increase in housing is probably the cause.
Stiffkey Farmers For A Sustainable Chalk River.
"Over-abstracted" in North Norfolk CAMS.
Following Marc Spiller's report on the catchment in 2005 we await the
deployment of the new catchment officer who will help all farmers raise
the aquifer levels.
Funding of BAWAG
Funded by subscriptioins of £1 per 1000 cubic meters of licenced quantity.
2007 Water Efficiency Awards
BAWAG won the "Inspiring Change" category at a presentation held at the Energy Clinic on 6th March 2007.
Water Audits/efficiency
BAWAG encouages members to conduct water audits to show efficiency. Courses are run regularly to ensure managers and staff remain efficient water users. To book a place ring 01263 733395.