WWF ‘The conservation campaigners say they have been granted permission by the High Court for a judicial review, arguing that the government is failing in its legal duties, set out under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Their case focuses on areas known as Natura 2000 sites, including several East Anglian habitats where the groups blame poor land management for causing soils carrying nutrients and pesticides to wash into the waterways, harming fish and other wildlife.
Although the region’s farming leaders argue that significant progress has already been made to minimise diffuse pollution, the campaigners say the government has failed to take the “necessary steps” to meet their target of ensuring protected rivers are in good health by December 2015.
Mark Lloyd, chief executive for, said: “This pollution is not only bad for fish and wildlife, but also anglers who contribute billions to the economy every year. We must ensure the necessary measures are in place to stop this pollution, and give our rivers and lakes a chance to recover and thrive.”