Research: Catchment statistics for nutrient pollution
Summary
The Environment Agency has updated its catchment statistics report on nutrient pollution in protected areas, replacing the previous version with 'Catchment statistics for nutrient pollution in protected areas 2026'. The update includes new nutrient modelling summaries, a corrected table, and revised notes on where Natural England nutrient neutrality advice applies, including Hornsea Mere, Chesil and The Fleet, and part of Waveney.
Why it matters
This is relevant to surveyors involved in development, planning, and environmental due diligence where nutrient neutrality can affect site viability and permissions. It also helps identify protected area catchments where additional mitigation or regulatory checks may be needed.
Key points
- Updated catchment-scale nutrient pollution statistics have been published by the Environment Agency.
- The report now includes nutrient modelling summaries for protected area catchments.
- An error in table 1 of the PDF has been corrected.
- Natural England nutrient neutrality advice does not currently apply for Waveney, but does apply to Hornsea Mere, Chesil and The Fleet, and part of Waveney.
- The guidance points developers to separate policy and environmental permissions information.
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