Conservation Statement

INTRODUCTION

The Feldale Internal Drainage District covers 479 hectares and approximately 5500 metre length of drainage channels. The district contains many varied environments and conservation needs.  The ecology and conservation needs vary and are considerable, this fact being recognised by the Board.  Disused gravel workings increase the importance of Conservation as does the close proximity of the Bassenhally pits to the District boundary.

The Feldale I.D.B. Conservation Statement is an all embracing one and recognises the need for a positive move to identify and safeguard the existing nature conservation resource, assess proposed and future developments, and enhance the environment in relation to both maintenance and capital works carried out.  The Board is committed,wherever possible, to adopt such a practice, where they are possible and economically viable and to comply with English Natures's recommendations and legislative requirements.  Only herbicides cleared for aquatic use will be used in or beside water. They will be used and stored in accordance with the appropriate Regulations.

WATER  LEVEL   MANAGEMENT                                                                                                                                   Wherever the principle of Water Level Management can be applied without putting at risk life or property it should be adopted with agreement of all interested parties.

CONSERVATION  STRATEGY

To help attain enhancement of the environment in the carrying out of the Board's operations the following strategy will be adopted, taking into account the needs an views of the farming community and other landowners.

In view of the size of the Board an Internal Conservation Committee comprising of the Members of the Board's Work Committee will develop operational guidelines to be incorporated within the Board's work programmes to safeguard and enhance the existing Nature Conservation resources.  Promote the enhancement of conservation interest and identify and assess areas of special interest.  Consider alternative working and water level management practices which other Board's or conservation bodies may develop which could then be included within the maintenance/capital works programme.

STATUTORY  OBLIGATIONS

Section 12 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 obliges the IDB's and Ministers to:

a)             further the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, consistent with any enactments relating to their functions;

b)            further the conservation of wildlife and geological and physiographical features of special interest, consistent with any  enactments relating to their functions;

c)             have regard to the desirability of;

                i)  protecting and conserving buildings, sites and objects of archaeological, architectural or historical interest; and

                ii)   preserving public rights of access to areas of mountains, moor,  heath, down cliff or foreshore and other places of natural  beauty; and

d)            take into account the affects of any proposals on the preservation of rights of access and on the beauty or amenity of an area, or on wildlife, features, buildings, sites or objects.