Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme review: consultation

11. Summary and next steps

Protection of the water environment is important for our health, economy and way of life. Historically, Scotland has led Europe in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and has taken an integrated approach to WFD/ Nitrates Directive implementation in protecting and improving the water environment.

The current measures in the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008 combined with the diffuse pollution General Binding Rules in Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR) aim to reduce the impact of nitrate pollution on Scotland’s water environment in line with best practice for agriculture. They also benefit farmers through fostering improved nutrient management.

The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 introduced new requirements for agriculture aiming to reduce diffuse pollution, including nitrogen, which are being phased in through a transition period up to 2027. We consider that the diffuse pollution mitigation measures in CAR set a good baseline across Scotland and support the additional measures required in the NVZs where higher levels of nitrate have been recorded. The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 diffuse pollution mitigation measures will continue when it is replaced by the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018 from 1 November 2025.

The Scottish Government is undertaking this review of Action Programme measures drawing on scientific research and evidence - taking account of the varying agricultural, soil and climatic conditions. We consider that the current measures are appropriate, do not propose any changes at the present time, and will continue to work with the farming sector on reducing nitrate levels in groundwater and surface waters.

Responses to this consultation will be taken into consideration as part of this 2025 review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008 and for future policy and legislative development aiming to reduce nitrate pollution from agricultural activities following best farming practice.