Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is reminding farmers across Wales of the rules designed to protect land and water as the organic manure spreading season reopens.

Grassland spreading resumed from January 16, with tillage land spreading starting on January 31. However, restrictions under the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations (CoAPR) remain in place until the end of February. Farmers must apply no more than 30m³ of slurry per hectare or eight tonnes of poultry manure at once, with at least three weeks between applications.

NRW is reminding farmers that before spreading, they are required to inspect fields and consider weather and soil conditions, slope, ground cover, and proximity to watercourses to reduce the risk of runoff. All applications must be recorded in a Nitrogen Management Plan to ensure they meet soil and crop needs and stay within nitrogen limits.

Spreading is strictly prohibited on waterlogged, flooded, snow-covered, or frozen ground, including soil frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

NRW says its teams will continue to support farmers while monitoring compliance.

Simon Griffiths, Team Leader of NRW’s Agricultural Pollution Inspection Team, said: “As the closed periods come to an end, we want to remind farmers, tenants, landlords and contractors of the restrictions which remain in place until the end of February.

“This means anyone considering spreading organic manure needs to ensure the conditions are suitable before work starts.”

“NRW is committed to protecting the environment and any instances of pollution will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action taken,” added Mr Griffiths.

NRW is urging farmers and members of the public to report any pollution incidents immediately by contacting its 24/7 incident communications centre via the online form at: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/contact-us/report-an-incident/?lang=en or alternatively by calling 0300 065 3000.