The Rivers Trust and the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) believe that Defra’s new common-sense rules to farming will make a significant difference to the health of rivers. Defra announced on November 30th that from April 2018 all farmers in England will need to follow new farming rules for water which will require farmers to keep soil on the land, match nutrients to crop and soil needs, and to keep livestock fertilisers and manures out of the water. Arlin Rickard, CEO of The Rivers Trust and Chairman of the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA), National Support Group said, "We have been working closely with Defra and farmers on the ground to ensure these common-sense but important rules are easy to follow and are set out in a practical and intuitive way. “They will provide a clear point of reference for farmers and help maintain healthy soils, crops and livestock as well as reduce diffuse pollution. They will also help farmers save money by using nutrients more efficiently.” He added, “Our local Rivers Trusts together with the 100 plus Catchment Partnerships that cover England, will be promoting the uptake of the rules through our extensive advisor and farmer networks”. Read Defra's announcement here.