This week's Mind the Gap conference saw the launch of new guidelines which aim to raise awareness of diffuse pollution regulations.

Unveiled by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse, the new advice will help ensure our waters are some of the cleanest in Europe.

Created in partnership with SRUC, SEPA and NFUS, the campaign features a collection of factsheets for land managers, and a handy sticker which highlights some of minimum legal working distances from watercourses.

Chris McDonald, Senior Agricultural Consultant with SAC Consulting, who helped devise the guidance, said, "Farmers are already doing a lot to protect water quality. These new guides provide a handy reminder of the key points to reduce diffuse pollution risks and keep on the right side of the regulations when carrying out routine practices such as spreading slurry, using pesticides or dipping sheep."

The factsheets include advice on reducing diffuse pollution, rules on steading drainage, use of slurry, manure and inorganic fertiliser and guidelines on poaching and erosion by livestock. There is also information on soil and cultivation and using pesticides. The factsheets outline good practices in each area that will help protect water quality, and the benefits of making changes to improve local watercourses.

Speaking at the launch Mr Wheelhouse said, "Scotland is renowned worldwide for its rivers, lochs and seas. River basin management planning recognises that a successful catchment approach needs effective partnership working.

"We are working alongside land managers to reduce diffuse pollution from agricultural activities. Our collaborative approach on this is recognised throughout Europe and work on the ground is proving extremely effective. With support from land managers across Scotland I’m sure we will continue to build on this success." 

The guidelines are available to view on the Farming and Water Scotland website.