The Environment Agency has published a new guide for anyone who owns or occupies land or property next to or containing a main river in England.

In ‘Your watercourse: rights and roles’, the Agency notes that, where a watercourse runs adjacent to or through your land you will be what is termed a ‘riparian landowner’.

The guide

• Clarifies roles and responsibilities, and how these are shared between riparian landowners and other organisations such as the Environment Agency, lead local flood authorities, councils, water companies and internal drainage boards.
• Summarises considerations and useful guidance on how to maintain your watercourse sustainably.
• Summarises guidance on permitting of works and where to find further information and support.
• Shows how you can work with others to reduce flood risk and protect and enhance the natural environment of our rivers and streams.